ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the comparison of neo-institutionalism (NI) and systems theory (ST). In order to explore theoretical capacities, the social phenomenon of university ranking looks through the particular lenses of these two sociological theories. NI highlights the diffusion of university rankings throughout the modern world and shows that rankings activate considerable dynamics on the interorganizational level. In fact, 'law school rankings were consequential, regardless of their validity, because prospective students decide which schools to attend, employers decide whom to hire, and alumni decide to give to their alma maters based on where a school stands in the most current United States Navy officer (USN) ranking'. The case of university rankings rather indicates a converse relationship: Universities, instead of engaging much in rationalizing rankings, suspect irrationalities. At any rate, there can be no doubt that NI and ST have a lot to say to each other regarding university rankings, especially in relation to organizations, as well as regarding other social phenomena.
