The organizational field and adoption of strategic practices: revisiting Whittington’s model

Abstract

The aim of this theoretical essay is to develop a conceptual model that relates the different levels of the strategy concept by integrating institutionalism and strategy as practice perspectives with the structuration theory. To accomplish this task, we adapt the model proposed by Whittington (2006), including in the model the concepts of isomorphism; recursivity between agency and structure; and structural properties. Thus, the existing relationship between isomorphic institutional mechanisms (institutional approach) and adoption of strategic practices by the strategists of an organization (strategy as practice) is discussed. The concept that the strategists’ action in an organization is influenced and influences the organizational field is also discussed, in addition to the adoption of strategic practices by the strategists being oriented by existing rules and resources in the organizational field. From the proposed model, different possibilities of research are presented that can be explored in future studies. A conclusion is reached that the institutional approaches and strategy as practice can be integrated as a way of broadening their approach. This may contribute so that the studies conducted under these perspectives are not limited to one level of analysis, but rather seek to relate the analyzed phenomena in their different spheres and influences. Thus, such approaches may achieve a greater degree of accumulated knowledge and maturity. The proposed model may also contribute to a more comprehensive strategy view, since it encompasses different levels that integrate it.