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Multiple Institutional Logics in Organizations: Explaining Their Varied Nature and Implications

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Besharov, Marya L., Smith, Wendy K.·2014·Academy of Management Review

DOI 10.5465/amr.2011.0431

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Abstract

Multiple institutional logics present a theoretical puzzle. While scholars recognize their increasing prevalence within organizations, research offers conflicting perspectives on their implications, causing confusion and inhibiting deeper understanding. In response, we propose a framework that delineates types of logic multiplicity within organizations, and we link these types with different outcomes. Our framework categorizes organizations in terms of logic compatibility and logic centrality and explains how field, organizational, and individual factors influence these two dimensions. We illustrate the value of our framework by showing how it helps explain the varied implications of logic multiplicity for internal conflict. By providing insight into the nature and implications of logic multiplicity within organizations, our framework and analysis synthesize the extant literature, offer conceptual clarity, and focus future research.

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Background
Third stream activities of universities: balancing global and national institutional conformity in India
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“In order to align members with global institutional expectations, organizations need to make them central (Besharov and Smith 2014).”
BackgroundResultInfluential

Authors: Besharov, M. L., & Smith, W. K.
Affiliations: Cornell University
University of Delaware (US)
ORCID: Smith, Wendy K.
Venue: Academy of Management Review
Publisher: Academy of Management
Published: 2014-07
Volume: 39
Issue: 3
Pages: 364-381
ISSN: 0363-7425 (ISSN-L)
1930-3807
DOI: 10.5465/amr.2011.0431
OpenAlex: W2078862672
Cited by: 1,571
References: 0
Citations by year: 2026: 196 · 2025: 148 · 2024: 198 · 2023: 135 · 2022: 167 · 2021: 133 · 2020: 139 · 2019: 123 · 2018: 105 · 2017: 93 · 2016: 78 · 2015: 42 · 2014: 10
FWCI: 91.24
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: green
udspace.udel.edu
Locations: Academy of Management Review (publishedVersion)
Library, Museums and Press - UDSpace (University of Delaware) (submittedVersion)
eCommons (Cornell University) (submittedVersion)
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 › Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management › Organizational Strategy and Culture
Keywords: multiple institutional logics, organizational conflict, institutional theory, organizational outcomes, field effect, personal factors

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Multiple Institutional Logics in Organizations: Explaining Their Varied Nature and Implications

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