Crossroads and challenges for organizational studies. A reflection from institutional perspectives

Abstract

This work seeks to reflect on the current state of organizational studies based on the analysis of major institutional approaches. The diversity of approaches typical of the institutional theory is remarked, ad-dressing two of its most relevant theoretical currents: the new sociological institutionalism and the institutional logics, whose extensive development has fostered a rapprochement between organizational studies and organization theory. This paper studies the advantages of such proximity but also some of its limitations; mainly that organizational studies have been partly absorbed by the study of institutions, neglecting the development of some lines of reflection grounded on Human Sciences. The balance of organizational studies increasingly oscillates between being considered an advanced management course or a specialized sociology class. The first case represents a greater risk for this type of studies in Latin America, given that, among other reasons, they have mainly originated in Administration schools and departments, which has hindered its development as a private project. The main contribution of this work focuses on the idea that a more effective development of organizational studies could be achieved by strengthening its disciplinary identity in order to build better links with management, sociology and organization theory. We also propose some action lines that represent important challenges for improving the necessary conditions to achieve a better development of organizational studies.