Reframing Organizations, 3rd ed.

Chapter 13

Organization as Theater

Organization as Theater

Institutional theory Organizational structure as theater Organizational process as theater

Organizational Theater

Theater plays to both internal and external audiences.

A convincing dramaturgical performance reassures external constituents, builds confidence, and keeps critics at bay.

Institutional Theory

“Institutionalized organizations” focus more on appearance than on performance.

When goals are ambiguous and performance hard to measure (as in universities and many government agencies), organizations maintain stakeholder support by staging the right play, conforming to audience expectations of how the organization should operate.

DiMaggio and Powell, “The Iron Cage Revisited…” Isomorphism: process of becoming similar to

other organizations in the same “organizational field” Coercive isomorphism: organizations become

alike because law, regulation, or stakeholders pressure them to do so.

Mimetic isomorphism: organizations become more alike by copying one another.

Normative isomorphism: organizations employing the same professionals become similar because the professionals have similar values and ideas.

Organizational Structure as Theater Structure as stage design—an arrangement of lights,

props, and costumes Makes drama vivid and credible Reflects and expresses current values and myths

Public schools reassure stakeholders if… The building and grounds look like a school Teachers are certified Curriculum mirrors society’s expectations

Colleges judged by: Age, endowment, beauty of campus Faculty-student ratio Whether faculty have degrees from elite institutions

Organizational Process as Theater

Activities (meetings, planning, performance appraisal, etc.) often fail to produce intended outcomes yet persist because they help sustain organizational drama. Scripts and stage markings that cue actors as

to what to do and how to behave Opportunities for self-expression and forums

for airing grievances Reassure audiences that organization is well

managed and important problems are being addressed

Organizational Process as Theater (II) Meetings as “garbage cans”

Meetings attract an unpredictable mix of problems looking for solutions, solutions looking for problems, and participants seeking opportunities for self-expression.

Planning Plans are symbols. Plans become games. Plans become excuses for interaction. Plans become advertisements.

Organizational Process as Theater (II) Evaluations

Often fail in intended goals of improving performance and identifying strengths and weaknesses

Ceremony signals organization is well managed and cares about performance improvement

Collective bargaining Public face: intense, dramatic contest Private face: back-stage negotiation, collusion

Power Exists in eye of beholder—you are powerful if others

think you are May be attributed based on outcomes

Conclusion

Organizations are judged by appearance. The right drama:

Provides a ceremonial stage Reassures stakeholders Maintains confidence and faith

Drama serves powerful symbolic functions: Engages actors in their performances Builds excitement, hope, sense of momentum