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Connecting the Tree to the Rainforest: Examining the Microfoundations of Institutions with Cultural Consensus Theory

ISBN: 978-1-78769-124-7, eISBN: 978-1-78769-123-0

Publication date: 25 November 2019

Abstract

The author introduces cultural consensus theory as a theoretical and methodological tool for examining the microfoundations of institutions by linking variance in individuals’ micro-level conditions with cross-level variance in individuals’ adoption of macro-level socially constructed knowledge. The author describes the theory and methods, which include the use of cultural and subcultural congruence as cross-level variables. The author then provides an illustrative example of the theory and methods’ application for studying institutions, incorporating primary survey data of US-based ethics and compliance officers (ECOs). Results of the survey revealed variance in ECOs’ level of congruence associated with their direct communication with executives, their experience implementing ethics practices, and their educational background. Finally, the author discusses additional ways to use this approach for researching the microfoundations of institutions.

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Acknowledgements

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank David Chandler and John Mezias for their participation in data collection and enabling me access to the data to be used for the illustrative example used in the chapter. I would also like to thank Judith Walls and Melodie Cartel for their feedback.

Citation

Keller, J. (2019), "Connecting the Tree to the Rainforest: Examining the Microfoundations of Institutions with Cultural Consensus Theory", Haack, P., Sieweke, J. and Wessel, L. (Ed.) Microfoundations of Institutions (Research in the Sociology of Organizations, Vol. 65A), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 197-215. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0733-558X2019000065A019

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited