Dynamic evolution of rules

Author: Maqi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: "In developing a precise and mature theory that explores the causes and modes of rule changes, the author of this book pioneers a completely new field of organizational research. I have not read any other work that offers a universal theory of the emergence, change, and delegation of rules, nor have I encountered such rich and profound data." — Frank Dobbin, Professor of Sociology at Princeton University "This is an important work that outlines a dynamic theory of organizational rules, enriching various perspectives on organizational functions. Future research on institutionalization, organizational adaptability, organizational learning, organizational change, and the role of the environment on individual behavior will benefit from the examination and summary presented in this book." — Journal of Applied Psychology This book is about written rules within formal organizations. It uses the observations of a specific organization, Stanford University, to develop ideas about how written rules change. Written rules are a special factor in the history of organizations, shaping organizational events while being influenced by them. The creation, revision, and abolition of written rules leave historical traces and possess visibility and durability. Due to these characteristics, written rules provide natural data for empirical exploration of organizational historical dynamics. They are not a complete record of that history, but they form accessible archival materials that change over time. Although the research described here includes some quantitative observations of specific events related to rule changes, the study in this book is primarily a quantitative investigation of the historical patterns and statistical characteristics of the emergence and change of rules. It is hoped that the insights derived from this data will contribute to rule theory as well as theories of organizational change and learning. Rather than focusing on the substantive content of change or the implementation of specific rules, the analysis in this book emphasizes the patterns of change rates within a group of rules.