abstract:

The logic of appropriateness is one of the few elements of the Behavioral Theory of the Firm that have not been taken up widely in organization theory. Yet, there seem to be many organizational phenomena the logic of appropriateness could help us understand better. The objective of this article is to provide a sharpened formulation of the logic of appropriateness that makes it easier to see how to apply it in empirical research on some key organizational phenomena. To attain this objective, we identify the essential features of the logic of appropriateness, and how they are connected to form an alternative decision making mechanism. We identify the building blocks and outlines of a modelling structure that could be elaborated in order to develop simulation models of the logic of appropriateness. Furthermore, we provide specific research questions that concern crucial issues in organizations, and show how the logic of appropriateness can generate propositions that can lead to empirical research that can extend our understanding of these crucial issues.

Key words: Decision making, organizations, logic of appropriateness, Behavioral Theory of the Firm