Despite the decline of collective bargaining and trade union membership in the British private sector over the past thirty years, and much academic discussion of 'marketisation' in the public sector, national collective bargaining in English local government has remained remarkably robust - as demonstrated by the Workplace Employment Relations Surveys (Millward et al. 2000). Most academic research on employment relations in the public sector has focused on 'change'. In this study I wish to examine the roots of 'continuity' and a surprising institutional survival. After three decades of reform, national collective bargaining still remains central to the local government employment relations architecture, and contrary to the 'hollowing out' thesis, national agreements are still the bulwark upon which both national and local government (and the related actors: trade unions, management, politicians) rely upon to engage in the process of joint regulation in the workplace. The study has three main objectives: Firstly, to explore why the institutional actors support or do not support the national collective bargining framework in English local government. Secondly, the extent to which national collective bargaining is supported and promoted applying an institutional theory analytical framework. Thirdly, what institutional processes explain the resilience of national collective bargaining in English local government? A sectoral study is used to explore the political dynamics that underlie the survival of national collective bargaining in English local government. This follows a 'firm in sector' methodology (Smith et al., 1990), in which a benchmark authority is compared and contrasted with eight other local authorities. The authorities were chosen by taking account of factors such as size (employing more than 2000 workers); type (metroplitan (7)) and shire (2); geography (north (2), midlands (4), south west (1) and south east (2)); and status (are they part of the national collective bargaining framework or outside of it.) The 'firm in sector' methodology allows for the examination of issues at an organisational level, building on the Workplace Employment Relations Surveys, which have focused more at a macro level. The study will drill down in detail within the benchmark authority; however, the study is nevertheless dependent on understanding the wider sectoral landscape in which the benchmark authority is located and therefore considers how its experiences compare with local authorities who chose to belong or not belong to the national collective bargaining framework. The thesis makes three contibutions. Firstly, it raises the issue of continuity within English local government employment relations and why national collective bargaining has continued to survive and remain relevant. Secondly, it considers what makes English local government different from other parts of the public sector, and what we can learn from this difference. Thirdly, it highlights the value of a new institutional perspective, as a tool for employment relations analysis.

Abstract Information and communication technology are among the fastest growing industry sectors globally. One enabler for fast grow is created standards, which enables compatibility between technologies. This dissertation aims to create new knowledge concerning how standardization affects businesses that develop and sell technologies and technology-based products and services. More precisely this study focuses on the wireless telecommunication, which needs standards to function globally. This globalization and standardization development sets requirements for companies and organizations in the business; they are expected to be flexible, innovative, efficient, international, well resourced and cooperative. In order to achieve this on a global scale multiple actors – such as manufacturers, operators and developers – need to negotiate with a number of regional standardization bodies. The standardization environment is under constant change; however, standards as such should remain stable. Understanding standardization processes has become important because new technologies, new forms of business organizations, trade issues and new institutions are emerging. All actors' in the standardization process should more thoroughly understand their role in the process, and recognize the important relations between the stages. From the actors' point of view the most beneficial issue in the wireless standardization process are networking and legitimacy of the process. In this research we are interested in researching empirically how actors' can possibly benefit from standardization processes in their businesses. As actors' we regard as manufacturers, operators, regulators, standardization organizations and SMEs. It is important to identify key factors/inhibitors that shape the standardization process from the actors' point of view. The theoretical framework of this study is built on the institutional theory. This theory provides a perspective as to how the actors can assimilate and act as part of the standardization environment. The broad reach of the institutional perspective is its major strength, making it potentially relevant to all levels of analyzis and all time spans, from micro-level interactions to large-scale changes in nation-states. Standardization creates opportunities for actors such as market and technology insights, internationalizing, and networking. The a priori dynamic process model developed shows the complexity and length of the wireless standardization process. From the process point of view the important points are the openness of the process, networking, cooperation, technological points and changes in the process. The new points which arose from the material include IPR issues, research, open atmosphere, globalization, licensing issues, flexible working procedure and interpretation of standards and document management. The empirical data of this study is derived by interviews. The interviews were carried out during autumn 1998, 2000 and winter 2004. 35 experts were interviewed from different bodies involved in 3rd generation wireless standardization and software companies.

Using annual reports of Austrian listed corporations between 1990 and 2005, we analyze how corporations theorize their social and societal responsibilities. We empirically illustrate that these organizations not only evoke several distinct domains of corporate responsibility, but also assign themselves and others specific positions in the social matrix of relevancy and power - which in turn gives rise to a distinct pattern on the field level. We discuss various features and implications of what we describe as a politicization of individual corporations at the price of a relocation of politics away from recognized and firmly institutionalized arenas of collective interest representation (i.e., the polity) as well as a broad-scale de-politicization of society.

This doctoral study is concerned with identifying the determinants of the institutionalisation of art (IoA) in general and institutionalisation of contemporary art (IoCA) in particular. It focuses on the influence of the state and the private sector on economics and politics of arts as artworld in Turkey. The proposed relational framework is based on the current controversial problematisation of social theory in terms of various understandings of modernity and post-modernity. Here, modern art is taken to be based on an orthodox (classical) modernity understanding. In contrast, contemporary art (CA) is regarded as either a rejection of modern art from a post-modernity perspective or an intensive criticism of it from inside modernity. Both positions direct their criticisms to the basic assumptions, methodological tools, epistemological sources and ontological basis of the classical understanding of modernity. Within this scope, this study formulates and operationalises the research problem in terms of relational sociology and uses grounded-theory to establish the significant interactive relations that define IoA. The unit of analysis is the interactive relations of individuals as artists. The boundaries of the study are primarily limited to national level. The research questions are, in general, framed with qualitative research techniques and specifically substantiated with data sources primarily obtained from a self-employed semi-structured survey method complemented by observations and an extensive review of the relevant literature as documentary-historical data. The analysis of the data and the interpretations of the findings are undertaken within the scope of relational sociology and using the tools of grounded-theory methodology. The empirical data collected from a sample of artists actively involved as producers of works of arts and/or academicians, advisors and art critics from Turkey. Within this conceptual framework, the roles of the state and the private sector are questioned in terms of the economics and politics of arts, including their cultural couplings. The domain of social relations remaining outside the private sector, specifically the art public and the groups, collectives and initiatives of arts are assessed as the civil domain of arts. Knowledge of the arts and its formal (institutional) and informal relations provide an essential source and play a central role in this study. Within this framework, the art market is considered as an emerging hegemonic construct in the economics and politics of arts. Furthermore, artists and artworks are considered as the primary constituting components of the interactive relations of IoA. The findings of this thesis have implications for increasing the knowledge about and practices of IoA and contribute to the development of a framework of research questions that explains the interactive relations of the IoA in Turkey and offers an insight into a growing body of literature on art and includes recommendations for the directions of future research. The proposed relational framework is based on the current controversial problematisation of social theory in terms of modernity and post-modernity understandings. Here, modern art is considered to be based on orthodox (classical) modernity understanding. In contrast, contemporary art (CA) is regarded as either a rejection of modern art from post-modernity perspective or an intensive criticism of it from inside modernity. Both positions direct their criticisms to the basic assumptions, methodological tools, epistemological sources and ontological basis of classical understanding of modernity. Within this scope, this study formulates and operationalises its research problem in terms of relational sociology and uses grounded-theory to establish the significant interactive relations defining IoA. The unit of analysis is the interactive relations of individuals as artists. The boundaries of the study primarily remained at national level. The research questions are framed in general with qualitative research techniques and substantiated specifically with data sources primarily obtained by self-employed semi-structured survey method in addition to observations and extensive review of the relevant literature as documentary-historical data. The analysis of the data and the interpretations of the findings made within the scope of relational sociology and with the tools of grounded-theory methodology. The empirical data collected from a sample of artists actively involved as producers of works of arts and/or academicians, advisors and critics of arts from Turkey. Within this conceptual framework, the role of the state and the private sector is questioned in terms of economics and politics of art, including their cultural couplings. The domain of social relations remaining outside of the private sector, specifically the art public and the groups, collectives and initiatives of arts are inquired as the civil domain of arts. Knowledge of arts and its formal (institutional) and informal relations provide an unavoidable source and play a central role in this study. Within this framework, art market is considered as an emerging hegemonic construct in the economics and politics of arts. Furthermore, artists and artworks were taken as primary constituting components of the interactive relations of IoA. The findings have implications for knowledge and practices of IoA and contribute in the developing a framework of research questions that explains the interactive relations of the IoA in Turkey and adds an insight to a growing body of literature on art including recommendation for future research directions.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Making use of the theoretical framework of institutional theory, in particular, the concepts responses strategies, Isomorphism and institutional entrepreneurship as well as using the three dimensions of experf scale to analyze the export performance of the three wineries objects of study, this study aim to check which strategic responses three exporting wineries of the region Gaucha Campaign-RS front the pressures of the institutional environment to increase their export performances. Characterized as a qualitative research, as a source of primary data semistructured interviews with three wine entrepreneurs Campaign Region were performed. The interviews were guided by a script (protocol) preset. For data analysis, the technique of content analysis proposed by Bardin (1977), in comparison with the theoretical frameworks worked in the study was used. It can be seen that the wineries in the study not only conform the pressures of the institutional environment, but also use strategies that are characterized by resistance and manipulation (Oliver, 1991). For example, according to the surveyed companies due to the high tax their economies of scale deteriorate in the domestic market itself. Considering this, the wineries Dunamis and Miolo in a isomorphic way make use of the strategy and tactics to resist attack, seeking along with associations representing the wine industry transform this disadvantage to gain more sales and, as a result, improve their processes and products. Given this same pressure, it was identified that the winery Cordillera de Santana saw the external market as a safety valve against high taxes. / Fazendo uso do aporte teórico da teoria institucional, em especial, os conceitos respostas estratégias, Isomorfismo e empreendedorismo institucional, assim como utilizando as três dimensões da escala experf para analisar a performance exportadora das três vinícolas objetos de estudo, o presente estudo tem como objetivo central verificar quais respostas estratégicas de vinícolas exportadoras da Região da Campanha Gaúcha-RS lançam frente as pressões do ambiente institucional visando aumentar suas performances exportadoras. Caracterizada como uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo, como fonte de dados primários foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com os três empreendedores vitivinícolas da Região da Campanha. As entrevistas foram guiadas por um roteiro (protocolo) pré-estabelecido. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizada a técnica de análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin (1977), em confronto com os referenciais teóricos trabalhados no estudo. Pode-se constatar que as vinícolas em estudo não só se conformam as pressões do ambiente institucional, como também lançam mão de estratégias que se caracterizam pela resistência e manipulação (OLIVER, 1991). Por exemplo, frente aos altos impostos que segundo as empresas pesquisadas deterioram suas economias de escala no próprio mercado nacional, as vinícolas Dunamis e Miolo, de maneira isomórfica fazem uso da estratégia resistir e da tática atacar, buscando junto com as associações representativas do setor vitivinícola transformar essa situação desfavorável para obterem mais vendas e , em consequência disso, aprimorarem seus processos e produtos. Diante dessa mesma pressão, identificou-se que a vinícola Cordilheira de Santana vislumbrou o mercado externo como uma válvula de escape perante os altos impostos.

In 2007 the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) was reformed by the introduction of the so-called trio Presidency . The trio mechanism encourages policy continuity by grouping incumbent Presidencies in teams of three and inviting them to coordinate. This thesis seeks to contribute original knowledge on EU policy-making by mapping how trio practices are established, exploring which factors explain how Member States coordinate, and by assessing how the trio arrangement affects the EU agenda. Empirically, the trio function is examined through its implementation in the policy area of sport, focusing on the three trios to assume office after the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. The analysis is structured around a number of carefully selected dossiers adopted between 2010 and 2013. Guided by a conceptual framework based on agenda-setting and new institutionalism, these decisions are submitted to in depth process-tracing. The analysis draws on qualitative research, primarily official documents and 37 semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that actors approach the trio with differing preferences and expectations, leading to much variation in how the arrangement is performed. The thesis identifies a number of factors that explain variation. Thus, a fixed agenda supports trios in coordinating priorities and activities ex ante. Moreover, coordination is conditioned by trio composition, as federal and new Member States are more inclined to cooperate. Further, trio practices are shaped by factors such as multiannual planning and focusing events, with the intenseness of trio coordination reflecting whether the agenda includes issues that demand sustained attention. The thesis concludes that the introduction of the trio mechanism has preserved the ability of Member States to use the Council Presidency to prioritise national priorities whilst also encouraging and facilitating EU policy continuity. By extending agenda-management beyond a six month spell, the trio can strengthen the agenda-setting powers of incumbent Member States, particularly on issues that concern establishing urgent responses or developing Council procedures. Moreover, evidence suggests that the arrangement can produce a specific spirit of collegiality, trio solidarity, which sees trio Member States support each other during negotiations, thus affecting EU policy-making beyond agenda-management.

We propose making an empirical application of the temporal view of stakeholder management theory by applying it in the particular context of the Canadian wind industry. The temporal view builds on insights from the resource-based view (RBV), institutional theory, and stakeholder salience theory. We argue that both early stage competitive advantage and late stage sustained competitive advantage could be dependent on the use of salient stakeholders as a special network of resources. We contribute to the literature in various ways. First we determine an empirical list of five salient stakeholders specific to the wind industry. Second, we show that, at early stages, the moderating effects of firm size and market conditions determines stakeholder support or rejection. Lastly, we show that, at late stages, the sustainability equation must take into account the introduction of new salient stakeholders. Also, we make practical recommendations for industry players and policy makers. We reached theory refinement by adopting an exploratory qualitative methodology based on interviews with seven cases of large and small wind firms operating in different electricity market types and provinces across Canada.

The competitiveness of the graduate business education market; concerns over graduate program relevance; and decreased provincial funding are placing destabilizing pressures on the current graduate business program offerings in business schools promoting the possibility of institutional change. Despite most academic institutions embracing online education as an option to respond, Canadian AACSB accredited business schools have not moved in this direction. The purpose of this research study was to explore the reasons for the limited adoption of online education in Canadian AACSB accredited business schools. The theoretical lens framing this research study was Institutional theory. A qualitative multiple case study research design was carried out with four Canadian AACSB accredited business schools participating. The main data collection method was semi-structured interviews with senior administration and faculty. This study revealed that the constraining forces were stronger than the enabling forces towards adoption, ultimately leading to limited adoption. The enabling forces identified were: market expansion opportunities; cost and infrastructure savings; and student demand for more online education. The constraining forces identified were: the lack of face-to-face interaction; and development and delivery cost. An examination of stakeholder influence found faculty resistance, to hold the strongest influence on organizational decision making in these business schools. Faculty resistance was concentrated mainly towards fully online graduate programs with greater acceptance for the hybrid format. The Institutional theory lens helped to understand that institutional change in academic institutions is difficult, due to the isomorphic forces acting as constraining forces to institutional change. This rendered the finding that the lack of legitimacy of this delivery medium was the main reason for the limited adoption of online education. A number of significant contributions to research in the areas of online education and institutional change in academic institutions; practical implications; and suggestions for future research in this area were also provided.

This research comprises three interconnected studies that, when considered together, attend to the dissertation’s purpose of presenting an integrated conceptual framework for ambush marketing in the Olympic Games. This has been accomplished in two ways: (1) the use of institutional theory, supported by network theory, as a lens to view and understand evolutionary processes in Olympic sponsorship and ambush marketing and (2) the use of grounded theory to build a conceptual framework of ambush marketing from the findings. Broadly, the model suggests the evolution of ambush marketing is partially impacted by, and an outcome of, institutional forces and considerations. Study I examines the process of institutionalization in the evolution of Olympic sponsorship during its most critical period of growth. It is argued that three key periods of change for sponsorship and two for ambush marketing exist during this time. Furthermore, these periods of change, most specifically concerning anti-ambush marketing practices, suggest the institutionalization of anti-ambush marketing legislation in the Olympic Games. Study II examines how Olympic ambush marketing stakeholder power and transfer of sponsorship and ambush marketing knowledge has influenced institutional processes toward the state of anti-ambush legislation as institutionalized brand protection. Centrality measures suggest the International Olympic Committee and Organizing Committees for the Olympic Games demonstrate the greatest stakeholder influence within the Olympic ambush marketing network. It is further argued the influence resulting from the structure of Olympic ambush marketing networks impacts the institutional processes of objectification and sedimentation. Study III examines the contemporary state of Olympic sponsorship evidenced by institutionalized legislated brand protection. While direct marketing implications of anti-ambush marketing legislation are minimal, it is argued the practice represents a portion of a regime of brand protection and that public relations outcomes of legislated brand protection must be carefully managed as part of a brand management strategy. Similarly, proportionality and managing expectations are arguably important in the understanding and application of such laws. Finally it is suggested that while the Olympic Movement may be viewed as an early adopter of anti-ambush legislation in the mega-event field, the individual character of each Olympic Games will interfere with complete isomorphism.

This thesis answers the research question: What role do institutions play in the adoption and non-adoption of Information Systems (IS) innovations? In exploring this question, institutional theory is used to develop an interpretation of behaviour by Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) related to the adoption and non-adoption of IS innovation within the Taxco Silver Handicraft Sector. The research categorised the emergent data into established Mexican institutions, which allowed for the analysis of institutionalised responses to the introduction of new social structures. There is a need to understand behaviour related to adopting IS innovations through the beliefs of local agents. Interpretivist literature was used to explore how the adoption of IS innovations is influenced by the local context. This research developed a theoretical framework that combines Scott’s (2008) three-pillars of institutions (regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive); with the Seo and Creed (2002) framework for exploring the institutionalisation of IS innovations. This theoretical framework allowed for the exploration of the contestation between institutional entrepreneurs (agents advocating the adoption of new social structures) and those resilient to institutional change. This research makes a number of key contributions to the field of study. The development of a new theoretical framework is designed to assist future researchers in exploring the institutionalisation process. The methodological contribution emerges from the demonstrating the value of ethnographic case studies within handicraft sectors in developing economies. The practical contribution of this research lies in increasing our understanding of how and why new social structures are developed.