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Perspective---Finding the Organization in Organizational Theory: A Meta-Theory of the Organization as a Social Actor

Author

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  • Brayden G. King

    (Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois 60208)

  • Teppo Felin

    (Marriott School of Management, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602)

  • David A. Whetten

    (Marriott School of Management, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602)

Abstract

Organization theory is a theory without a protagonist. Organizations are typically portrayed in organizational scholarship as aggregations of individuals, as instantiations of the environment, as nodes in a social network, as members of a population, or as a bundle of organizing processes. This paper hopes to highlight the need for understanding, explicating, and researching the enduring, noun-like qualities of the organization. We situate the organization in a broader social landscape by examining what is unique about the organization as a social actor. We propose two assumptions that underlie our conceptualization of organizations as social actors: external attribution and intentionality. We then highlight important questions and implications forming the core of a distinctively organizational analytical perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Brayden G. King & Teppo Felin & David A. Whetten, 2010. "Perspective---Finding the Organization in Organizational Theory: A Meta-Theory of the Organization as a Social Actor," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 21(1), pages 290-305, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:21:y:2010:i:1:p:290-305
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1090.0443
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    References listed on IDEAS

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