Expanding Routine Dynamics Theory

Chapter 2 of Technical Notes Series on Howard-Grenville et al. (2016)

Abstract

Chapter 2 organizes the transition of organizational routine research leading to routine dynamics, and considers the current status and problems of routine dynamics. What is particularly characteristic of this chapter is that, in order to make routine dynamics a more descriptive concept, the observable parts of routines, in addition to formalized rules and standard operating procedures, are defined as actions. This is a point that shows the importance of then, the author critically examines the three implicit assumptions about action and expand the concept of action. In addition, she criticizes the ostensive aspects are equated with artifacts such as formalized rules and standard operating procedures, and are erroneously recognized as concepts with static properties. It points out the current situation and advocates the use of the rhetoric of patterning and performing instead of the rhetoric of ostensive and performative aspects.