Contributions, Challenges, and Future Directions of the Process School in Organizational Routine Research

Comprehensive Discussion of Technical Notes Series on Howard-Grenville et al. (2016)

Abstract

This paper summarizes the series of discussions on Howard-Grenville et al. (2016) and explores the contributions, challenges, and future directions of the process school of organizational routines. The process school conceptualizes routines not as a theoretical construct but as a concrete phenomenon that emerges from interdependent actions, aiming to explain both organizational change and stability. However, empirical studies face challenges in effectively capturing the micro-macro loop, clarifying the relationship between performative and ostensive aspects, and strengthening managerial relevance. By integrating Weick’s theory of organizing and the concept of collective mind with the process school’s perspective on routines, this paper examines new directions for organizational routine research.