ABSTRACT
Neoinstitutional theory comes in several different versions, three of which tend to stand out. First, there is the position of John Meyer and Richard Scott (see Meyer and Scott 1983; Scott and Meyer 1994, and the initial presentation by Meyer and Rowan 1977). Second, there is Lynne Zucker’s version (see Zucker 1977, 1983, 1988; and Meyer and Zucker 1989, which has much in common with the Meyer/Scott approach). Finally, there is the version represented by the DiMaggio and Powell formulation (see DiMaggio and Powell 1983, also DiMaggio 1988). These three versions overlap largely in time and content. I will emphasize the differentiating aspects between them while recognizing the common elements that exist. However, all three are sufficiently different to merit independent recognition and discussion.
