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Change and Tensions in Non-profit Organizations: Beyond the Isomorphism Trajectory

Arvidson, Malin LU (2018) In Voluntas p.1-13
Abstract
Research on the relationship between non-profit organizations (NPOs) and the public sector has been dominated by predictions of isomorphism where change and tensions in NPOs are attributed an imposing institutional setting. This article argues that research represents a selective perspective on organizational life due to its portrayal of organizational change as synonymous with an isomorphic, linear trajectory. The purpose of this article is to illustrate different sources and characteristics of change and tension. The article presents an analytical framework comprising of four components: evolving change, episodic change, inherent dilemmas, and conflicting logics, facilitating an understanding of the organization as movement. The analysis... (More)
Research on the relationship between non-profit organizations (NPOs) and the public sector has been dominated by predictions of isomorphism where change and tensions in NPOs are attributed an imposing institutional setting. This article argues that research represents a selective perspective on organizational life due to its portrayal of organizational change as synonymous with an isomorphic, linear trajectory. The purpose of this article is to illustrate different sources and characteristics of change and tension. The article presents an analytical framework comprising of four components: evolving change, episodic change, inherent dilemmas, and conflicting logics, facilitating an understanding of the organization as movement. The analysis of a case study organization suggests that by identifying different dimensions of changes and tensions we can gain a richer understanding of the complexity of processes underpinning the organization as movement. The analysis reveals how multiple, parallel processes related to change and tensions generate reflections that drive integrity and identity formation at individual and organizational levels. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Isomorphism, Change, Tensions, Organization as movement, Non-profit organizations
in
Voluntas
pages
1 - 13
publisher
Springer
external identifiers
  • scopus:85050202980
ISSN
0957-8765
DOI
10.1007/s11266-018-0021-z
language
Swedish
LU publication?
yes
id
6fbc3be4-832c-47b4-addc-594d8e6a8a91
date added to LUP
2018-08-16 21:54:35
date last changed
2022-04-25 08:39:55
@article{6fbc3be4-832c-47b4-addc-594d8e6a8a91,
  abstract     = {{Research on the relationship between non-profit organizations (NPOs) and the public sector has been dominated by predictions of isomorphism where change and tensions in NPOs are attributed an imposing institutional setting. This article argues that research represents a selective perspective on organizational life due to its portrayal of organizational change as synonymous with an isomorphic, linear trajectory. The purpose of this article is to illustrate different sources and characteristics of change and tension. The article presents an analytical framework comprising of four components: evolving change, episodic change, inherent dilemmas, and conflicting logics, facilitating an understanding of the organization as movement. The analysis of a case study organization suggests that by identifying different dimensions of changes and tensions we can gain a richer understanding of the complexity of processes underpinning the organization as movement. The analysis reveals how multiple, parallel processes related to change and tensions generate reflections that drive integrity and identity formation at individual and organizational levels.}},
  author       = {{Arvidson, Malin}},
  issn         = {{0957-8765}},
  keywords     = {{Isomorphism; Change; Tensions; Organization as movement; Non-profit organizations}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  pages        = {{1--13}},
  publisher    = {{Springer}},
  series       = {{Voluntas}},
  title        = {{Change and Tensions in Non-profit Organizations: Beyond the Isomorphism Trajectory}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11266-018-0021-z}},
  doi          = {{10.1007/s11266-018-0021-z}},
  year         = {{2018}},
}