Bridging the Gap between Ecologies and Clusters: Towards an Integrative Framework of Routine Interdependence

Abstract

This conceptual paper advances theorizing on routine interdependencies. It presents a review and comparison of the two dominant schools of thought in this stream of research: routine ecologies and routine clusters. While the former emphasizes generativity and flexibility, the latter conceptualizes interdependencies as limiting to organizational dynamics and change. Despite these diverging assumptions, the paper suggests combining – rather than separating – insights from both schools of thought. It contributes to routine interdependence research in three ways. First, the paper provides an integrative framework that emphasizes the complementary dynamics between both schools of thought. Second, the paper suggests that coordinating interdependent routines is an ongoing process of addressing different degrees of interdependence with specific modes of coordination. Third, the paper reveals that interdependent routines and the underlying coordination processes play a central role in balancing organizational stability and change.