Virtualization and Institutions

This panel explores the value of institutional theory in understanding ‘virtualization (in its varieties of meanings) and the impact on work practices, organizations and society.’ In 2001, Orlikowski and Barley made an initial appeal in this direction suggesting that IS research could benefit from institutional theory and that organization theory could also learn from IS research in taking the materiality of technology seriously. Since this earlier call, there have been significant developments in institutional theory from within organizational theory, particularly at the micro-level of analysis. However, apart from some notable exceptions at the macro-level, IS research is yet to explore the value of institutional theory for understanding virtualization of work practices. A particular focus of this panel, therefore, is to explore the potential of micro and macro level developments in institutional theory, and the value of a multilevel approach for the virtualization of work.