Isomorphism (sociology)

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

In sociology, an isomorphism is a similarity of the processes or structure of one organization to those of another, be it the result of imitation 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 and Walter Powell.

[edit] 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.