Isomorphism (sociology)

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Isomorphism (sociology)

For other uses of isomorphism, see isomorphism (disambiguation)
Isomorphism (disambiguation)

Isomorphism may refer to* Isomorphism, in mathematics, a mapping that preserves the structure* Graph isomorphism, in mathematics, a mapping that preserves the edges and vertices of a graph...
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Encyclopedia

In sociology

Sociology

Sociology is a branch of the social sciences that uses systematic methods of Empiricism and critical theory to develop and refine a body of knowledge about human social structure and activity, sometimes with the goal of applying such knowledge to the pursuit of social welfare....
, an isomorphism is a similarity of the processes or structure of one organization

Organization

An organization is a social arrangement which pursues collective goals, which controls its own performance, and which has a boundary separating it from its environment....
to those of another, be it the result of imitation

Imitation

Imitation is an advanced behavior whereby an individual observes and replicates another's. The word can be applied in many contexts, ranging from animal training to international politics....
or independent development under similar constraints. There are three main types of isomorphism: normative, coercive and mimetic.

Isomorphism was primarily the work of Paul DiMaggio

Paul DiMaggio

Paul Joseph DiMaggio is an American educator, and professor of sociology at Princeton University since 1992....
and Walter Powell

Walter W. Powell

Walter W. Powell is a contemporary United States sociologist. Powell is currently Professor of Education at Stanford University and is known for his contributions to organizational theory, in particular to the new institutionalism and network theory....
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Literature

DiMaggio, P.J., & Powell, W.W. (1983). "The Iron Cage Revisited: Institutional Isomorphism and Collective Rationality in Organizational Fields." American Sociological Review, 48(2), 147-160.
Meyer, J.W., & Rowan, B. (1977). "Institutionalized Organizations: Formal Structure as Myth and Ceremony." American Journal of Sociology, 83(2), 340-363.