For several decades, institutional theory has been a dominant theory to understand social and organizational change across a range of social sciences (e.g., public administration, sociology, management). Will it be as relevant in the upcoming decades? In this course, we seek to outline the foundations of institutional theory, including its history, applications and debates. We will examine key concepts in institutional analysis, such as institutional logics, institutional entrepreneurship and institutional work, and translation of management ideas and practices, as well as their methodological implications. We also seek to assess the relevance and applicability of institutional theory for understanding and researching contemporary (and future) organizational challenges, such as sustainability and environmental responsibility, the development of artificial intelligence, economic and social inequality, as well as the development of new organizational forms.

This course is developed for PhD students in social science broadly, i.e. entrepreneurship, organization theory, political science, public management and sociology. The course will focus particularly on the micro-level of institutional theory, that is how organizations are formed and managed and how actors make sense of, adapt to and change institutions.