A Behavioral Theory of the Firm—40 Years and Counting: Introduction and Impact

Argote, Linda; Greve, Henrich R.

doi:10.1287/orsc.1070.0280

Cited by 606Management Theory and PracticeEconomic Theory and InstitutionsManagement and Organizational Studies

A Behavioral Theory of the Firm—40 Years and Counting: Introduction and Impact

Argote, Linda, Greve, Henrich R.·2007·Organization Science

DOI 10.1287/orsc.1070.0280

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Abstract

In this introductory piece, we take stock of the impact of Cyert and March’s A Behavioral Theory of the Firm, describe current research trends in the behavioral tradition, and introduce the special issue’s papers. A Behavioral Theory of the Firm is one of the most influential management books of all time. In the book, Cyert and March developed theoretical building blocks that became the foundations for current research in organizational studies in management, economics, political science, and sociology. Cyert and March also made theoretical propositions that are investigated and extended in current work on organizational learning theory and evolutionary economics.

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The bulk of extant management research has relied on behavioral assumptions of boundedly rational human actors who engage in satisficing rather than maximizing behavior.
“The bulk of extant management research has relied on the behavioral assumptions of boundedly rational human actors, who-due to their information-processing limits and cognitive biases-engage in satisficing rather than maximizing behavior (Argote & Greve, 2007;Cyert & March, 1963).”
From Artificial Intelligence and Management: The Automation–Augmentation Paradox (2021) · cites this paper as Argote & Greve, 2007

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Authors: Argote, L., & Greve, H. R.
Affiliations: Carnegie Mellon University (US)
BI Norwegian Business School (NO)
ORCID: Argote, Linda
Greve, Henrich R.
Venue: Organization Science
Publisher: Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS)
Published: 2007-06
Volume: 18
Issue: 3
Pages: 337-349
ISSN: 1047-7039 (ISSN-L)
1526-5455
DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1070.0280
OpenAlex: W2141109059
Cited by: 606
References: 190
Citations by year: 2026: 26 · 2025: 27 · 2024: 48 · 2023: 49 · 2022: 50 · 2021: 47 · 2020: 38 · 2019: 34 · 2018: 31 · 2017: 36 · 2016: 30 · 2015: 39 · 2014: 21 · 2013: 31 · 2012: 39
FWCI: 22.75
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Organization Science (publishedVersion)
Funders: Carnegie Mellon University
Topics: Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Management Theory and Practice
Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics › Economic Theory and Institutions
Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Management and Organizational Studies
Keywords: behavioral theory of the firm, organizational learning theory, evolutionary economics, organizational theory, history of management thought

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A Behavioral Theory of the Firm—40 Years and Counting: Introduction and Impact

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