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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

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.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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