The New Institutional Sociology

Institutional isomorphism refers to the process by which organizations adopt similar structures and practices in order to conform to the norms and expectations of their institutional environment.

The New Institutional Sociology recognizes that institutions are both external to individuals and organizations (e.g., laws, regulations, norms) and internal to individuals and organizations (e.g., routines, scripts, beliefs).

The New Institutional Sociology recognizes that institutions can change through coercion (e.g., laws, regulations), persuasion (e.g., propaganda, education), and imitation (e.g., diffusion of practices).

Critics of the New Institutional Sociology argue that it is too deterministic, ignores the role of individual agency, and is too focused on formal institutions.

All of the examples provided are instances of institutional isomorphism, where organizations or societies adopt similar structures and practices in order to conform to the norms and expectations of their institutional environment.

All of the examples provided are instances of path dependent processes, where the initial conditions or choices made early on have a significant impact on the subsequent development of a system or process.

Habitus, field, and cultural capital are all key concepts in the work of Pierre Bourdieu, a French sociologist who is considered one of the founders of the New Institutional Sociology.

Social capital is a key concept in the work of James Coleman, an American sociologist who is considered one of the founders of the New Institutional Sociology.

Institutional isomorphism is a key concept in the work of Paul DiMaggio and Walter Powell, two American sociologists who are considered among the leading proponents of the New Institutional Sociology.

Structural holes is a key concept in the work of Ronald Burt, an American sociologist who is known for his contributions to social network analysis and the New Institutional Sociology.

Weak ties is a key concept in the work of Mark Granovetter, an American sociologist who is known for his contributions to social network analysis and the New Institutional Sociology.

Identity control is a key concept in the work of Harrison White, an American sociologist who is known for his contributions to social network analysis and the New Institutional Sociology.

Comparative institutional analysis is a key concept in the work of Karen Barkey, an American sociologist who is known for her contributions to the New Institutional Sociology and comparative historical sociology.

Institutional logics is a key concept in the work of Virag Molnar, a Hungarian sociologist who is known for her contributions to the New Institutional Sociology and organizational sociology.

Institutional complexity is a key concept in the work of Walter Powell, an American sociologist who is known for his contributions to the New Institutional Sociology and organizational sociology.