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Neither Contestation nor Convergence:The Proto-Institutionalization of Nonprofit Performance Metrics

Powell, W

Woody Powell, Stanford University

Description

Semester:

  • Winter 2015

Speakers:

Woody Powell, Sociology, Stanford University

Lecture Time:

Fri, January 30, 2015 @ 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Lecture Location:

Room R1240, Ross School of Business

Speaker Webpage(s):

https://ed.stanford.edu/faculty/woodyp

Introduced By:

No introduction available.

Abstract

Transitional periods between the unraveling of an established order and the dawn of a new
one elude both social movement and institutional theories. We offer novel theory and methods to
examine an interregnum that characterizes current debates over impact in the social sector. We
posit mechanisms of proto-institutionalization that fuel interactions among former strangers,
working to create new approaches to evaluation. Our Web-based relational and discursive analysis
of organizations from the domains of civil society, science, and management finds that an
interstitial community has formed, populated by well-connected entities that converse in multiple
discourses, proselytize new practices, create safe spaces through convening, and provide resources
to ease the strains of transition. Our analytical snapshot, or “social x-ray”, is contrasted with
alternative configurations representing different moments between contestation and convergence.
Our approach contributes to understanding the relationship between culture and connectivity, and
provides a lens through which to analyze the development of fields.

Recording & Additional Notes

Introduced by Education PhD student Jandi Kelly