Organizational Learning under Institutional Complexity: Evidence from Township Clusters in China

Shuyang You, Abby Jingzi Zhou, Steven Shijin Zhou, Liangding Jia, Chengqi Wang

Research output: Journal PublicationReview articlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Drawing from conceptualizations of organizational learning and institutional complexity, we advance the understanding of how the coexistence of multiple institutional logics in a community influences firms' learning. Viewing communities where firms and local governments coexist as clusters, our analysis of 354 firms in 39 township clusters in China shows that government logic negatively moderates the positive effect of community logic on organizational learning; however, social connections between the community and local governments mitigate this negative effect. Modeling the relationship between the two logics in this manner extends prior conceptualizations of interfirm learning as a process of isomorphic diffusion of social norms and advances understanding of the role of institutions in organizational learning. This study also offers new insights for theoretical conversations on the compatibility and incompatibility of multiple institutional logics by demonstrating when logic multiplicity leads to conflicts and when it maintains harmony.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)726-754
Number of pages29
JournalManagement and Organization Review
Volume17
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2021

Keywords

  • community logic
  • government logic
  • institutional complexity
  • organizational learning
  • township cluster

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business and International Management
  • Strategy and Management

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