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Imprinting: Toward a Multilevel Theory

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Marquis, Christopher, Tilcsik, András·2013·Academy of Management Annals
DOI 10.5465/19416520.2013.766076
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Abstract

The concept of imprinting has attracted considerable interest in numerous fields—including organizational ecology, institutional theory, network analysis, and career research—and has been applied at several levels of analysis, from the industry to the individual. This article offers a critical review of this rich yet disparate literature and guides research toward a multilevel theory of imprinting. We start with a definition that captures the general features of imprinting across levels of analysis but is precise enough to remain distinct from seemingly similar concepts, such as path dependence and cohort effects. We then provide a framework to order and unite the splintered field of imprinting research at different levels of analysis. In doing so, we identify economic, technological, institutional, and individual influences that lead to imprints at the level of (a) organizational collectives, (b) single organizations, (c) organizational building blocks, and (d) individuals. Building on this framework, we develop a general model that points to major avenues for future research and charts new directions toward a multilevel theory of imprinting. This theory provides a distinct lens for organizational research that takes history seriously.

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Metadata

Authors
Marquis, C., & Tilcsik, A.
Affiliations
Harvard University (US)
ORCID
Venue
Academy of Management Annals
Publisher
Academy of Management
Published
2013-06
Volume
7
Issue
1
Pages
195-245
ISSN
  • 1941-6067 (ISSN-L)
  • 1941-6520
DOI
10.5465/19416520.2013.766076
OpenAlex
W2133868162
Cited by
1,576
References
9
Citations by year
2026: 287 · 2025: 237 · 2024: 220 · 2023: 173 · 2022: 145 · 2021: 114 · 2020: 83 · 2019: 77 · 2018: 65 · 2017: 49 · 2016: 47 · 2015: 32 · 2014: 36 · 2013: 8
FWCI
79.52
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nd
Locations
  • Academy of Management Annals (publishedVersion)
  • eCommons (Cornell University) (submittedVersion)
  • TSpace (University of Toronto) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nd)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Management and Organizational Studies
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Innovation and Knowledge Management
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Management of Technology and Innovation › Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences
Keywords
imprinting, multilevel theory, organizational ecology, institutional theory, path dependence, cohort effects, organizational history

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