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‘There Are Voices in Every Direction’: Organizational Decoupling in Frontex

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  • Nina Perkowski

Abstract

This article analyses Frontex through the lens of organizational sociology, challenging conventional accounts of the agency as a coherent, rational actor. Drawing on interviews and ethnographic fieldwork, it argues that Frontex can more appropriately be understood as a fragmented and only loosely coupled organization, with discrepancies existing between different units, languages and structures, and between those implementing Frontex operations on the ground, staff in the headquarters, and the management board. The article shows that, faced with contradictory demands, Frontex seeks to maintain support from its environment and to preserve legitimacy among its key stakeholders; in particular the European Parliament, the Commission and different member states. The loose coupling of the agency allows for the coexistence of different rationalities across different aspects of Frontex's work, catering to diverse stakeholders while also minimizing open conflict within the organization.

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  • Nina Perkowski, 2019. "‘There Are Voices in Every Direction’: Organizational Decoupling in Frontex," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(5), pages 1182-1199, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:57:y:2019:i:5:p:1182-1199
    DOI: 10.1111/jcms.12897
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    Cited by:

    1. Manuele Citi & Mads Dagnis Jensen, 2022. "The Effects of Supranational Delegation on Policy Development," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(2), pages 337-354, March.
    2. Covadonga Bachiller López, 2023. "Border policing at sea: Tactics, routines, and the law in a Frontex patrol boat," The British Journal of Criminology, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, vol. 63(1), pages 1-17.
    3. Trym Nohr Fjørtoft & Hallvard Sandven, 2023. "Symmetry in the Delegation of Power as a Legitimacy Criterion," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(4), pages 900-916, July.

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