Isomorphism (sociology)

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.

The concept of isomorphism was primarily developed by Paul DiMaggio and Walter Powell.

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.