Blind Spots: Organizational and Institutional Biases in Intra- and Inter-organizational Contexts

Abstract

Drawing on organization theory, Christensen discusses how blind spots are related to internal ‘organization is mobilization of bias’ factors and how different mechanisms sustain or undermine those factors. Increasing complexity and hybridity may also lead to blind spots. However, the chapter shows that blind spots are also related to inter-organizational features and that different mechanisms may sustain or undermine them. The dynamics between cultural path dependency and attempts of modern reform efforts are also relevant. Adding to this, Christensen argues that a focus on external complexity and hybridity and the use of myths and symbols (reputation management) may potentially both support and modify blind spots.