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Modernization Programs in Perspective: Institutional Analysis of Organizational Change
Author(s) -
OLSEN JOHAN P.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
governance
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.46
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1468-0491
pISSN - 0952-1895
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-0491.1991.tb00007.x
Subject(s) - modernization theory , perspective (graphical) , institution , administration (probate law) , politics , value (mathematics) , government (linguistics) , public administration , organizational theory , organizational change , political science , institutional theory , institutional change , sociology , positive economics , public relations , social science , management , economics , law , linguistics , philosophy , artificial intelligence , machine learning , computer science
Contemporary reform programs give students of comparative public administration a new chance to update their theoretical ideas about organization and organizing. Do forms of government and political institution matter? If so, what are the effects of different organizational forms? Why do we have the institutional forms we have? How can we explain their origins, persistence and development? This article explores the possible value of organization theory for the study of comprehensive administration reform. An attempt is made to specify how modernization efforts may be affected by properties of existing institutions. It is argued that contemporary modernization programs are based on an instrumental view of organizational decision‐making and change. An institutional perspective is then outlined.