A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Institutional Logics Versus Norm Circles : Alternative or Complementary Approaches to the Analysis of Institutions?;




AuthorsModell, Sven

PublisherWiley

Publication year2026

Journal: Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour

Article numbere70037

Volume56

Issue2

ISSN0021-8308

eISSN1468-5914

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1111/jtsb.70037

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1111/jtsb.70037

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/523473064

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract
The institutional logics and norm circle perspectives have emerged as two approaches to the analysis of institutions in organisations and society. This paper compares the two perspectives and asks whether they should be seen as alternative or complementary approaches. Although the two approaches rest on a shared ontological conception of institutions as objectified, or taken-for-granted, phenomena that are imbued with a strong sense of normativity, their diverging epistemological commitments and analytical emphases speak in favour of treating them as relatively distinct alternatives. This is especially the case insofar as the ‘mainstream’ approach, that has dominated research on institutional logics, is concerned. However, I also draw attention to how insights from the institutional logics and norm circle perspectives can be selectively combined and complement each other within a research approach that builds on a shared, critical realist understanding of institutions.


Keywords:
critical realismInstitutional logicsnorm circlesorganisational institutionalism

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Last updated on 22/05/2026 11:05:39 AM