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People, Actors, and the Humanizing of Institutional Theory

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  • Maxim Voronov
  • Klaus Weber

Abstract

In much contemporary institutional scholarship, the term ‘actor’ is used as a shorthand for any entity imbued with agency. Talking about actors in institutions thus serves the necessity of allocating agency before returning to the analysis of institutional structures and processes. We find this approach to actorhood limiting, conceptually and normatively. Grounded in the perspective of pragmatist phenomenology, we assert the need for distinguishing between persons and actors, and the value of integrating the person into institutional analysis. We conceive of persons as humans with a reflective capacity and sense of self, who engage with multiple institutions through the performance of institutional roles. People may acquire actorhood by temporarily aligning their self with what is expected from a particular actor‐role in an institutional order. Conversely, institutions enter people’s lifeworld as they are personified in people’s social performances. We outline this perspective and examine conceptual and normative implications that arise from the integration of human experience in institutional analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Maxim Voronov & Klaus Weber, 2020. "People, Actors, and the Humanizing of Institutional Theory," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(4), pages 873-884, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jomstd:v:57:y:2020:i:4:p:873-884
    DOI: 10.1111/joms.12559
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amy L. Fraher & Yiannis Gabriel, 2014. "Dreaming of Flying When Grounded: Occupational Identity and Occupational Fantasies of Furloughed Airline Pilots," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(6), pages 926-951, September.
    2. Simona Giorgi, 2017. "The Mind and Heart of Resonance: The Role of Cognition and Emotions in Frame Effectiveness," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(5), pages 711-738, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gerardo Patriotta, 2020. "Actors and Actorhood in Institutional Theory," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(4), pages 867-872, June.
    2. Maxim Voronov & Mary Ann Glynn & Klaus Weber, 2022. "Under the Radar: Institutional Drift and Non‐Strategic Institutional Change," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(3), pages 819-842, May.
    3. Renate E. Meyer & Eero Vaara, 2020. "Institutions and Actorhood as Co‐Constitutive and Co‐Constructed: The Argument and Areas for Future Research," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(4), pages 898-910, June.
    4. Mrinal Saikia & Ratul Mahanta, 2024. "Institutions’ adaptability in reducing vulnerability: a study in the char lands of Assam," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 44(4), pages 810-835, December.
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