ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the logic of five selected paradigms of institutional meaning with high relevance for studies into public action. It elucidates for each paradigm the particular conceptual meaning of institution. It makes explicit the underlying assumptions and the corresponding limits of scope of the particular approach. The chapter will outline the typical methodological direction that is enabled by each approach. It will explain for each paradigm the different ways in which institutional change is conceptualized. Finally, it will provide some empirical exemplifications in the fields of planning and urban research.
