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Chapter 24 - Complexity in Routine Dynamics

from Part III - Themes in Routine Dynamics Research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 December 2021

By
Thorvald Hærem ,
Yooeun Jeong  and
Mathias Hansson
Edited by
Martha S. Feldman ,
Brian T. Pentland ,
Luciana D'Adderio ,
Katharina Dittrich ,
Claus Rerup  and
David Seidl
Martha S. Feldman
Affiliation:
University of California, Irvine
Brian T. Pentland
Affiliation:
Michigan State University
Luciana D'Adderio
Affiliation:
University of Edinburgh
Katharina Dittrich
Affiliation:
University of Warwick
Claus Rerup
Affiliation:
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
David Seidl
Affiliation:
University of Zurich
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Summary

In this chapter, we show how different conceptualizations of routine complexity can produce different insights into the study of the dynamics of routines. Based on a selective review of the literature, we identify three different approaches to routine complexity that has been applied in empirical research: that is, complexity as (a) a perceptual characteristic of routines, (b) a function of idealized characteristics of routines, and (c) a function of enactments. Our review shows that early studies of routines have predominantly treated complexity as a perceptual phenomenon, whereas in only a few studies have complexity been conceived of as a more objective characteristic of routines. More recently, a stream of research has begun to capture the complexity of routines as an enacted phenomenon, in line with the practice-turn in routine research. We scrutinize the underlying assumptions in each of these approaches and outline the potential directions for future investigations on the complexity of routines.

Keywords

Routinesroutine dynamicsRoutine complexitytask complexityprocess complexity,
Type
Chapter
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Cambridge Handbook of Routine Dynamics , pp. 329 - 342
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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