The Dynamics of Standardisation: Three Perspectives on Standards in Organisation Studies

Organization Studies, Vol. 33, No. 5-6, pp. 613-633

42 Pages Posted: 25 Jun 2012

See all articles by Nils Brunsson

Nils Brunsson

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Andreas Rasche

Copenhagen Business School

David Seidl

University of Zurich - Department of Business Administration (IBW)

Date Written: June 24, 2012

Abstract

This article suggests that when the phenomenon of standards and standardisation is examined from the perspective of organisation studies three aspects stand out: the standardisation of organisations, standardisation by organisations, and standardisation as (a form of) organisation. Following a comprehensive overview of existing research in these three areas, we argue that the dynamic aspects of standardisation are underrepresented in the scholarly discourse. Furthermore, we identify the main types of tension associated with standardisation and the dynamics they generate in each of those three areas, and show that, while standards and standardisation are typically associated with stability and sameness, they are essentially a dynamic phenomenon. The article highlights the contributions of this special issue to the topic of standards as a dynamic phenomenon in organisation studies and makes suggestions for future research.

Keywords: standards, standardization, regulation, dynamics of standards

Suggested Citation

Brunsson, Nils and Rasche, Andreas and Seidl, David, The Dynamics of Standardisation: Three Perspectives on Standards in Organisation Studies (June 24, 2012). Organization Studies, Vol. 33, No. 5-6, pp. 613-633, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2089976

Nils Brunsson

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Andreas Rasche (Contact Author)

Copenhagen Business School ( email )

Solbjerg Plads 3
Frederiksberg C, DK - 2000
Denmark

David Seidl

University of Zurich - Department of Business Administration (IBW) ( email )

Hottingerstrasse 10
Plattenstrasse 14
Zurich, 8032
Switzerland

HOME PAGE: http://www.om.uzh.ch

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