Chapter 14: Organization As Theater

Front 1

What is dramaturgical theory?

Back 1

Dramaturgical theory: internal focus (organizational participants as players in a drama)

Front 2

What is institutional theory?

Back 2

Institutional theory: external focus on how organizations project images to external audiences

Front 3

What is isomorphism?

Back 3

“Isomorphism” – process of becoming similar to other organizations in the same “organizational field”

Front 4

What is coercive isomorphism?

Back 4

Coercive isomorphism – organizations become alike because law, regulation or stakeholders pressure them to do so

Front 5

What is mimetic isomorphism?

Back 5

Mimetic isomorphism – organizations become more alike by copying one another

Front 6

What is normative isomorphism?

Back 6

Normative isomorphism – organizations employing the same professionals become similar because the professionals have similar values and ideas

Front 7

How can organizational meetings be explained as garbage cans?

Back 7

Attract an unpredictable mix of problems looking for solutions, solutions looking for problems, and participants seeking opportunities for self-expression

Front 8

Evaluations

Back 8

Often fail in intended goals of improving performance and identifying strengths and weaknesses
Ceremony signals the organization is well-managed and cares about performance improvement

Front 9

Collective bargaining.

Back 9

Public face: intense, dramatic contest
Private face: back-stage negotiation, collusion

Front 10

Power

Back 10

Exists in eye of beholder – you are powerful if others think you are
May be attributed based on outcomes

Front 11

What benefits can the right drama have?

Back 11

Provides a ceremonial stage
Reassures stakeholders
Maintains confidence and faith