Reconceptualizing Organizational Routines as a Source of Flexibility and Change

May combine two claims.

The premise of the traditional story is contradicted by observational data: organizational routines are repetitive but not necessarily fixed or unchanging.

“Another problem is that the premise of the traditional story is contradicted by observational data. Organizational routines are certainly repetitive, but they are not necessarily fixed or unchanging.”

• cites Suchman, 1983 sourceSupported
• cites Miner, 1990 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Feldman, 2000 sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The distinction between ostensive and performative helped explain why etic and emic descriptions of routines differed (Feldman, 2000).

“Feldman (2000) found that the distinction between ostensive and performative helped to explain why etic and emic descriptions of routines differed.”

• cites Feldman (2000) sourceSupported

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Overestimating the importance of the ostensive aspect leads managers to underestimate the importance of the adjustments and improvisations people undertake to make the routine work.

“Overestimating the importance of the ostensive leads managers to underestimate the importance of the adjustments and improvisations that people undertake to make the routine work.”

May combine two claims.

Participants interpret their actions to make sense of what they are doing, and there is always the possibility of resisting expectations and doing otherwise.

“They interpret their actions in order to make sense of what they are doing and, though their choices of how to proceed appear automatic or mindless at times, there is always the possibility of resisting expectations and doing otherwise (Giddens, 1984; Orlikowski, 2000).”

• cites Giddens, 1984Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Orlikowski, 2000 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Changing the ostensive aspect does not necessarily lead to a change in the performative aspect, and vice versa.

“Changing one does not necessarily lead to a change in the other.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Unless the ostensive and performative aspects are distinguished, the relationship between them cannot be explored.

“Moreover, unless we distinguish between these aspects of routines, we cannot explore the relationship between them.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The omission of agency in traditional metaphors may be unavoidable because there are no people in these traditional metaphors.

“The omission of agency may be unavoidable because, ironically, there are no people in these traditional metaphors.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

The existing literature on routines embodies a fairly consistent way of theorizing about routines.

“The existing literature on routines is quite diverse, yet it embodies a fairly consistent way of theorizing about routines.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Organizational routines consist of the resulting performances and the understandings of these performances.

“We argue that organizational routines consist of the resulting performances and the understandings of these performances.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Organizational routines consist of two aspects: the ostensive and the performative.

“Organizational routines consist of two aspects: the ostensive and the performative.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Both the ostensive and performative aspects are necessary to constitute an organizational routine.

“Both aspects are necessary to constitute what we understand to be the routine.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The traditional understanding of organizational routines provides a convincing explanation of stability in organizations.

“This way of understanding organizational routines provides a convincing explanation of stability in organizations.”

May combine two claims.

Organizational routines can be a source of inertia and inflexibility, but they can also be an important source of flexibility and change.

“While routines can be a source of inertia and inflexibility, they can also be an important source of flexibility and change.”

May combine two claims.

Existing theories do not entirely rule out the possibility of variability or change, but neither do they help explain it.

“Existing theories do not entirely rule out the possibility of variability or change, but neither do they help explain it.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Both the ostensive and performative aspects are necessary for an organizational routine to exist.

“Both of these aspects are necessary for an organizational routine to exist.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The most common mistake is to take the ostensive for the performative, or to mistake the summary of how tasks are performed for how tasks are actually performed.

“The most common mistake is to take the ostensive for the performative, or to mistake the summary of the way tasks are performed for the ways tasks are actually performed.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Without distinguishing the ostensive and performative aspects, either part can be mistaken for the whole.

“Without making this distinction, the parts—either the ostensive or the performative—can be mistaken for the whole.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

An organizational routine consists of two related parts: one embodying the abstract idea of the routine (structure) and one consisting of actual performances by specific people at specific times and places (agency).

“An organizational routine consists of two related parts. One part embodies the abstract idea of the routine (structure), while the other part consists of the actual performances of the routine by specific people, at specific times, in specific places (agency).”

May combine two claims.

Rules are resources for action, but they do not fully determine action.

“Rules are resources for action, but they do not fully determine action (Zimmerman, 1970; Giddens, 1984; Taylor, 1993).”

• cites Zimmerman, 1970Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Giddens, 1984Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Taylor, 1993Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The performance of an academic hiring routine is situated in a complex context and must be sensitive to features of this context.

“The performance of an academic hiring routine, for instance, is situated in a complex context and must be sensitive to features of this context.”

May combine two claims.

These metaphors highlight the inertial qualities of routines and tend to minimize the possibility of flexibility and change.

“As a result, these metaphors highlight the inertial qualities of routines and tend to minimize the possibility of flexibility and change.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The ostensive aspect of a routine shapes our perception of what the routine is.

“The ostensive aspect of a routine shapes our perception of what the routine is.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

These metaphors treat organizational routines as mechanisms or abstractions, rather than as collective human activities.

“These metaphors treat organizational routines as mechanisms or abstractions, rather than as collective human activities.”

May combine two claims.

Practices are carried out against a background of rules and expectations, but the particular courses of action we choose are always, to some extent, novel.

“Practices are carried out against a background of rules and expectations, but the particular courses of action we choose are always, to some extent, novel.”

May combine two claims.

The performance of routines can involve adapting to contexts that require idiosyncratic or ongoing changes and reflecting on the meaning of actions for future realities.

“While organizational routines are commonly perceived as reenacting the past, the performance of routines can also involve adapting to contexts that require either idiosyncratic or ongoing changes and reflecting on the meaning of actions for future realities.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

When people do new things, whether in response to external changes or reflexive self-monitoring, they alter the potential repertoire of activities that creates and recreates the ostensive aspect of the routine.

“When people do new things, whether in response to external changes or in response to reflexive self-monitoring, they alter the potential repertoire of activities that creates and recreates the ostensive aspect of the routine.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

If a commitment to search for underrepresented minorities is stated but not followed by action, then the commitment is not part of the hiring routine.

“While we are required by law to state the commitment, if the statement is not followed by action, then the commitment is not part of the hiring routine.”

May combine two claims.

Performing a hiring routine maintains, and in fact develops, many of the capabilities required to perform it.

“Performing a hiring routine maintains, and in fact develops, many of the capabilities required to perform it.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Agency is apparent in each participant's choice of actions and the reflexive self-monitoring of those actions.

“Agency is apparent in each participant's choice of actions and the reflexive self-monitoring of those actions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

The hiring routine has a core pattern of actions that is repeated in virtually all instances of hiring.

“In fact, the hiring routine has a core pattern of actions that is repeated in virtually all instances of hiring.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In using the ostensive aspect, people create a gloss that summarizes and omits, a story that privileges some activities over others.

“In using it, we create a gloss that summarizes and omits, a story that privileges some activities over others.”

May combine two claims.

The ostensive aspect of routines allows people to explain what they are doing and provides a sense of when it is appropriate to ask for an accounting.

“The ostensive aspect of routines allows us to explain what we are doing and provides a sense of when it is appropriate to ask for an accounting (Lyman and Scott, 1968; Orbuch, 1997).”

• cites Lyman and Scott, 1968Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Orbuch, 1997 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Hiring for tenure system positions is affected by policies concerning the use of adjunct or temporary faculty.

“Hiring for tenure system positions is also affected by policies concerning the use of adjunct or temporary faculty.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

People use the ostensive aspect of routines to refer to patterns of activity that would otherwise be incomprehensible.

“People use the ostensive aspect of routines to refer to patterns of activity that would otherwise be incomprehensible.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Over time, if no one chooses to read the script or play the music, the capability to do so vanishes.

“Over time, if no one chooses to read the script or play the music, the capability to do so vanishes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Variations in routines may be hidden or otherwise go unnoticed.

“Variations may be hidden or otherwise go unnoticed.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Webs of interdependence do not stop at the formal boundary of the organization.

“And, as open systems theory reminds us, the webs of interdependence do not stop at the formal boundary of the organization (Kast and Rosensweig, 1972).”

• cites Kast and Rosensweig, 1972 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Instances of hiring may differ but bear sufficient family resemblance to cohere as a recognizable category.

“While the instances of hiring may differ, they bear a sufficient family resemblance to cohere as a recognizable category (Wittgenstein, 1958).”

• cites Wittgenstein, 1958Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Organizational routines involve the coordination of multiple organizational participants and are not just individual routines performed in the context of an organization.

“As originally conceived by Stene (1940), organizational routines involve the coordination of multiple organizational participants. Thus, organizational routines are not just individual routines that are performed in the context of an organization.”

• cites Stene (1940) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Organizational members would have no trouble using the hiring routine to account for their own behavior or to ask for accounts from others.

“They also would have no trouble using this hiring routine to account for their own behavior or to ask for accounts from others.”

May combine two claims.

Performances enact the ostensive aspect of the routine, although this is largely an unintended effect of action.

“Performances enact the ostensive aspect of the routine, although this is largely an unintended effect of action (Giddens, 1984).”

• cites Giddens, 1984Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Variations may or may not get accepted as legitimate alternatives to existing practice.

“They may or may not get accepted as legitimate alternatives to existing practice.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

A written procedure and the idea it codifies must be performed repeatedly before it becomes an organizational routine.

“Likewise, a written procedure and the idea it codifies must be performed repeatedly before it becomes an organizational routine.”

May combine two claims.

The involvement of multiple actors introduces diversity of goals, information, and interpretations, while the interdependence of actions blurs and opens the boundaries of the routine to outside influence.

“The involvement of multiple actors introduces the diversity of goals, information, and interpretations, while the interdependence of actions blurs and opens the boundaries of the routine to outside influence.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

In the end, members of the organization may or may not choose to incorporate variations into the ostensive part of the routine.

“In the end, members of the organization may or may not choose to incorporate variations into the ostensive part of the routine.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Even if a pattern of actions repeats, it needs to become recognizable as a pattern.

“Furthermore, even if a pattern of actions repeats, it needs to become recognizable as a pattern.”

May combine two claims.

It is very unlikely that there is a single ostensive understanding or a single goal of any significant organizational routine.

“Thus, it is very unlikely that there is a single ostensive understanding or a single goal of any significant organizational routine.”

May combine two claims.

Connecting one's behavior to a particular routine legitimates the behavior if it is understood to be part of the routine and de-legitimates it if it is not.

“Connecting one's behavior to a particular routine legitimates the behavior if it is understood to be part of the routine and de-legitimates it if it is not.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Performing an organizational routine maintains the ostensive aspect of the routine by exercising the capability to enact it.

“Performing an organizational routine maintains the ostensive aspect of the routine by exercising the capability to enact it.”

May combine two claims.

The ostensive aspect of a routine enables people to ask others to account for actions that seem unusual and to provide reasonable accounts when called to explain.

“It enables us to ask others to account for actions that seem unusual and to provide reasonable accounts when we are called to explain.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The performative aspect reflects individual agency.

“The performative aspect reflects individual agency.”

May combine two claims.

Our theory suggests that routines are both objective and subjective and that the two are integrally related.

“Our theory suggests that routines are both objective and subjective and that the two are integrally related.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The consensus definition of organizational routines strongly suggests the need for the ostensive/performative ontology.

“Indeed, the consensus definition strongly suggests the need for the new ontology,irrespective of any other considerations.”

May combine two claims.

Adopting a structuration or practice theory perspective leads to viewing the ostensive and performative aspects of organizational routines as recursively related, with performances creating and recreating the ostensive aspect and the ostensive aspect constraining and enabling performances.

“Adopting a structuration or practice theory perspective leads us to view the ostensive and performative aspects of organizational routines as recursively related, with the performances creating and recreating the ostensive aspect and the ostensive aspect constraining and enabling the performances.”

• cites Giddens, 1984Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Individuals engaged in organizational routines do not act alone or independently.

“This is because, by definition, individuals engaged in organizational routines do not act alone, or independently.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

For practical purposes, everyone understands the routine.

“For practical purposes, everyone understands the routine.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

A pattern of actions that occurs only once is not a routine.

“A pattern of actions that occurs only once is not a routine.”

May combine two claims.

The ostensive aspect serves only as a guide; it cannot specify the details of the performance, which people must always choose.

“But it serves only as a guide; it cannot specify the details of the performance, which people must always choose.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The understandings required to make an argument convincing are maintained, in part, by engaging in hiring routines and other related routines.

“The understandings required to make an argument convincing are maintained, in part, by engaging in hiring routines and other related routines (such as promotion routines) and trying out or a a a a a an ag at ed or rejected.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Labeling an activity helps people pay attention to a comprehensible and manageable portion of the booming, buzzing confusion that surrounds them.

“We must take action in the midst of the “booming, buzzing confusion' that surrounds us (James, 1890), and labeling the activity helps us pay attention to a comprehensible and manageable portion of it.”

• cites James, 1890Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

If nobody applies for a job, no hiring can take place.

“For example, if nobody applies for a job, no hiring can take place.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

The hiring routine is filled with variations that may be recognized and incorporated into the ostensive aspect of the routine.

“The hiring routine is filled with variations that may be recognized and incorporated into the ostensive aspect of the routine.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

In spite of variations, one can recognize the basic pattern as the hiring routine rather than another routine.

“In spite of these variations, one can easily recognize the basic pattern as the hiring routine, as opposed to budgeting or some other routine.”

May combine two claims.

Individuals performing a routine do not all have access to the same information, and even if they did, they might not interpret the information in the same way.

“The individuals performing the routine do not all have access to the same information, and even if they did, they might not interpret the information in the same way.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

When people enact routines, they can maintain the ostensive aspect of the routine, but they can also choose to deviate from it.

“When people enact routines, they can maintain the ostensive aspect of the routine, but they can also choose to deviate from it.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Hiring almost always connects to budgeting and planning, such that a position should not be advertised before the slot has been allocated and the budget approved.

“For example, hiring almost always connects to budgeting and planning: a position should not be advertised before the slot has been allocated to the hiring unit and the budget has been approved.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Inquiring about a spouse's employment in the context of a job search is often a sign of taking a candidate very seriously.

“And because it is prohibited, it takes on additional significance: inquiring about a spouse's employment in the context of a job search is often a sign of taking a candidate very seriously.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The ostensive/performative ontology is consistent with the definition of organizational routines as repetition, a recognizable pattern of action, multiple participants, and interdependent actions.

“Since our goal is to build on existing insights from the literature, it is important to note that the ostensive/performative ontology is consistent with the definition of organizational routines articulated earlier: repetition, a recognizable pattern of action, multiple participants, and interdependent actions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The tendency for an idea of a routine to persist without performance is particularly true when it is committed to paper or encoded into an artifact.

“This may be particularly true when it is committed to paper or encoded into some kind of artifact, such as a script or a formal procedure.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

A disconnected collection of performances does not constitute a routine without a corresponding ostensive category that makes the patterns coherent and recognizable as a routine.

“In other words, a disconnected collection of performances does not constitute a routine without a corresponding ostensive category that makes the patterns coherent and recognizable as a routine.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Variations may be regarded as desirable, or not, by key individuals such as managers or administrators.

“They may be regarded as desirable, or not, by key individuals, such as managers or administrators.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Because actions in a routine are interdependent, each performance of a routine is a collective performance.

“Because their actions are interdependent, each performance of a routine is a collective performance.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

When substantive actions are taken, words come to life and become meaningful; otherwise only lip service itself could be considered part of the routine.

“When substantive actions are taken (e.g., seeking out underrepresented minority candidates), the words come to life and become meaningful. Otherwise, only the “lip service” itself could be considered part of the routine.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

Our framework is consistent with current perspectives on agency, which emphasize the active engagement of individuals in on-going practices and the interpenetration of agency with various forms of structure.

“Our framework is consistent with current perspectives on agency (Emirbayers and Mische, 1998), which emphasize the active engagement of individuals in on-going practices and the interpenetration of agency with various forms of structure.”

• cites Emirbayers and Mische, 1998Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Hiring meets the basic definition of an organizational routine: a repetitive, recognizable pattern of interdependent actions carried out by multiple actors.

“The phenomenon we refer to as “hiring” clearly meets the basic definition of an organizational routine: it is a repetitive, recognizable pattern of interdependent actions carried out by multiple actors.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Knowing that one was engaged in a hiring routine would make all the difference in understanding a question about a person's spouse's employment.

“Thus, knowing that one was engaged in a hiring routine would make all the difference in understanding such a question.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Even within a single organization, hiring must be conceptualized as a category with many instances.

“Thus, even within a single organization, we must conceptualize hiring as a category with many instances.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

It may take many years for the idea of a routine to dissipate completely, even if it is never performed.

“It may take many years for the idea of a routine to dissipate completely, however, even if it is never performed.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Interviewing is a skill that people often become better at as they practice it and attend to how others practice it, and that may dissipate with lack of use.

“Interviewing, for instance, is a skill that people often become better at as they practice it and as they attend to how others practice it and that may dissipate with lack of use.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

An artifact that contains the ostensive definition exists, but without on-going performance, it becomes meaningless.

“The artifact that contains the ostensive definition exists, but without on-going performance, it becomes meaningless.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Each activity in the hiring pattern may not be included in every instance, and specific activities are customized for particular workplaces.

“Each activity may not be included in every instance (a fast food restaurant may not negotiate terms), and the specific activities will be customized for particular work places (interviewing applicants in a university setting includes the applicant giving a job talk).”

May combine two claims.

The definition of organizational routines leads to a paradox: the hiring routine has endless variation, every performance is different, yet the hiring routine has a clear and simple gloss and is easily recognized and summarized.

“On one hand, the “hiring routine” has endless variation: every performance is different. On the other hand, “the hiring routine” has a clear and simple gloss: it is easily recognized and summarized.”

May combine two claims.

There is no single, objective routine, but a variety of different perspectives on what is involved.

“There is no single, objective routine, but a variety of different perspectives on what is involved.”

May combine two claims.

Rules are not always followed; they can be strategically flaunted in order to convey a particular meaning.

“More generally, rules are not always followed: they can be strategically flaunted in order to convey a particular meaning (Garfinkel, 1967; Heritage, 1984).”

• cites Garfinkel, 1967Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Heritage, 1984Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Interdependence between actions can be viewed as part of structure, but it can also generate variety within specific performances.

“While interdependence between actions can be viewed as part of structure (Pentland, 1995), it can also generate variety within specific performances.”

• cites Pentland, 1995 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Through repetition and recognition, organizational routines are created.

“Through repetition and recognition, organizational routines are created.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Academic hiring routines often involve the ability to make a convincing case to one's colleagues about the importance of a particular type of scholarly work and the advisability of interviewing and extending an offer to a particular scholar.

“In an academic context, hiring routines often involve the ability to make a convincing case to one's colleagues about the importance of a particular type of scholarly work and the advisability of interviewing and extending an offer to a particular scholar.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

When a search fails, external factors are frequently the cause.

“When a search fails, as many searches do, external factors are frequently the cause.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

There are many reasons why there will be variation in the performance of any particular task associated with a routine in a specific time and place.

“As we noted earlier, there are many reasons why there will be variation in the performance of any particular task associated with a routine in a specific time and place.”

May combine two claims.

Individuals or groups with power to identify particular performances as "routine" have the power to turn exceptions into rules and to enact the organization in ways they think appropriate.

“Individuals or groups with power to identify particular performances as “routine” have the'power to turn exceptions into rules and, thus, to enact the organization in ways they think appropriate.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

A theory of organizational routines that includes agency, and therefore subjectivity and power, enables us to understand more about the dynamics of organizational routines and how these relate to stability, flexibility, and change in organizations.

“A theory of organizational routines that includes agency, and, therefore, subjectivity and power, enables us to understand more about the dynamics of organizational routines and how these relate to stability, flexibility, and change in organizations.”

May combine two claims.

The difference between ostensive and performative aspects helps to explain contradictory findings about task variety and adds nuance to what is meant by task variety.

“The difference between ostensive and performative aspects helps to explain these kinds of contradictory findings and adds a level of nuance to what we mean by task variety.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Our theory draws attention to mundane features of organizational routines that may be missed when they are seen through other theoretical lenses.

“Our theory draws attention to mundane features of organizational routines that may be missed when they are seen through other theoretical lenses.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Without the performative, nothing ever happens.

“Without the performative, nothing ever happens.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

If nobody applies for a particular job, then interviewing is not a realistic possibility for that particular performance of the hiring routine.

“For example, if nobody applies for a particular job, then interviewing is not a realistic possibility for that particular performance of the hiring routine.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Other variations will be unintentional.

“Other variations will be unintentional (Aldrich, 1999).”

• cites Aldrich, 1999Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

Knowing that there are two aspects to routines will help students of organizational routines sort out contradictions when they occur.

“Knowing that there are two aspects to this behavior will help students of organizational routines sort out such contradictions when they occur.”

May combine two claims.

Organizational routines are produced by many people with different information, preferences, and interpretation, are enacted over time and space, and interact with other streams of action in such a way that it is not always clear where one organizational routine ends and another begins.

“In particular, they are produced by many people with different information, preferences, and interpretation, they are enacted over time and space, and they interact with other streams of action in such a way that it is not always clear where one organizational routine ends and another begins.”

May combine two claims.

The conditions for stability and for change may exist in the same organization and may manifest themselves differently from one routine to another.

“The conditions for stability and for change may exist in the same organization and may manifest themselves differently from one routine to another.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Managers may also have power to monitor performances and enforce compliance.

“Managers may also have power to monitor performances and enforce compliance.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

To ensure functional adaptation, variation and selective retention requires an effective, consistent selection mechanism, which may or may not be present in any given situation.

“To ensure functional adaptation, variation and selective retention requires an effective, consistent, selection mechanism, which may or may not be present in any given situation (Campbell, 1965, 1994).”

• cites Campbell, 1965, 1994Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

By providing a vocabulary for describing the parts of organizational routines and their relationship that is consistent with current concepts in social theory, the new understanding allows us to move beyond metaphors as a way of understanding organizational routines.

“By providing a vocabulary for describing the parts of organizational routines and their relationship that is consistent with current concepts in social theory, it allows us to move beyond metaphors as a way of understanding organizational routines.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

It is easy to confuse the ostensive aspect of the routine for the whole routine.

“Unfortunately, it is easy to confuse the ostensive aspect of the routine for the whole routine in much the same way that one might confuse the script for the play or the dictionary for the language.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The ability to use agency in the context of a performance that is otherwise highly scripted is a potent way of exerting power.

“In fact, the ability to use agency in the context of a performance that is otherwise highly scripted is a potent way of exerting power.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

If the gene is changing itself, then the information it carries is not stable and unchanging, as required in ecological theory.

“If the gene is changing itself, then the information it carries is not stable and unchanging, as required in ecological theory.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The most routinized task units based on one measure were the least routinized based on the other measure (and vice versa).

“The most routinized task units based on one measure were the least routinized basedon the other measure (and vice versa).”

• cites Pentland (2003) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Managers are usually empowered to create rules and other artifacts that document a particular version of the ostensive aspect.

“For example, managers are usually empowered to create rules and other artifacts that document a particular version of the ostensive aspect.”

May combine two claims.

In organization theory, the emphasis on the ostensive aspects of organizational routines has led to too much emphasis on the stability of routines and insufficient ability to understand their potential for change.

“In organization theory, the emphasis on the ostensive aspects of organizational routines has led to too much emphasis on the stability of routines and insufficient ability to understand their potential for change.”

May combine two claims.

Constraints from interdependence are not absolute, and performances within organizational routines display a great deal of variety, as empirical studies of routines show.

“Nevertheless, these constraints are anything but absolute, and performances within organizational routines display a great deal of variety, as the empirical studies of routines show.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

To the extent that individuals internalize the managerial version of the ostensive aspect of the routine, overt monitoring and enforcement may be unnecessary.

“To the extent that individuals internalize the managerial version of the ostensive aspect of the routine, overt monitoring and enforcement may be unnecessary.”

May combine two claims.

Managers exercise agency as they choose both to introduce variations and to select variations produced by others.

“The role of agency in producing and selecting variation has been noted by Miner (1994) and Miner and Haunschild (1995), who showed that managers exercise agency as they choose both to introduce variations and to select variations produced by others.”

• cites Miner (1994) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Miner and Haunschild (1995)Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Variation and selective retention has been applied to understanding change over time in organizational forms and change within organizations.

“Variation and selective retention has been applied to understanding change over time in organizational forms (Hannan and Freeman, 1983; Aldrich, 1999) and also change within organizations (Baum and Singh, 1994; Miner and Haunschild, 1995; Aldrich, 1999).”

• cites Hannan and Freeman, 1983Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Aldrich, 1999Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Baum and Singh, 1994Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

The capacity of organizational routines to retain history can lead to inertia, but routines also generate variety.

“The capacity of organizational routines to retain history can lead to inertia, but routines also generate variety.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

This language has systematically led us away from investigating the role of performances and innovation in creating and shaping routines and thus away from the importance of agency, subjectivity, and power.

“This language, however, has systematically led us away from investigating the role of performances and innovation in creating and shaping routines and thus away from the importance of agency, subjectivity, and power.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Routines facilitate cognitive efficiency, but they also embody a selective retention of history, filtered by subjectivity and power.

“While it is true that routines facilitate cognitive efficiency, they also embody a selective retention of history, filtered by subjectivity and power.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The whole idea of continuous improvement could be viewed as a direct application of this basic process.

“The whole idea of continuous improvement could be viewed as a direct application of this basicprocess.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

When we talk about the hiring routine or the budget routine, we are talking about the ostensive aspect.

“After all, when we talk about the hiring routine or the budget routine, we are talking about the ostensive aspect.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Without the ostensive aspect, we cannot name or even see our patterns of activity, much less reproduce them.

“Without the ostensive aspect, we cannot name or even see our patterns of activity, much less reproduce them.”

May combine two claims.

Endogenous change has been observed but has been difficult to explain.

“Endogenous change has been observed (e.g., Miner and Estler, 1985; Miner, 1991; Burgelman, 1994; Feldman, 2000), but it has been difficult to explain.”

• cites Miner and Estler, 1985 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Miner, 1991 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Burgelman, 1994 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The ability to improvise an effective variation is likely to be a valued skill.

“Variations are often necessary to manage unexpected contingencies and exceptions (Perrow, 1967); the ability to improvise an effective variation is likely to be a valued skill.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The new understanding has methodological implications relevant to anyone studying organizational routines and substantive implications for scholars interested in the role organizational routines play in organizational stability and change.

“This new understanding of routines has methodological implications relevant to anyone studying organizational routines and substantive implications particularly relevant to scholars interested in the role organizational routines play in organizational stability and change.”

May combine two claims.

Our theory encompasses both episodic and continuous change possibilities because it provides a way to understand why routines sometimes display great inertia and sometimes do not.

“Our theory encompasses both possibilities because it pron g o ym mes display great inertia and sometimes do not.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The new understanding of organizational routines has implications for a variety of topics in organization theory.

“The new understanding of organizational routines that we offer has implications for a variety of topics in organization theory.”