Applying institutional theories to managing megaprojects. Issue 1 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biesenthal, Christopher; Clegg, Stewart; Mahalingam, Ashwin; Sankaran, Shankar
• Is Part Of: International journal of project management. Volume 36:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 43
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Megaprojects -- Institutional theory -- Project management -- Project organizing -- Managing the socio-political context -- Project management research; Project management -- Periodicals; Network analysis (Planning) -- Periodicals; 658.40405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.06.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-7863

Abstract

Abstract: This paper contributes to Rodney Turner's initiative to develop a theory of project management from practice. Organizational scholars studying strategy suggest that more attention needs to be paid to practices involved in organizing, as well as the institutional contexts in which these practices are embedded. Taking a cue from strategy-in-practice approaches, it is proposed that institutional theories can be used to address some questions that have not been answered adequately regarding megaprojects. Institutional theories also seem to be gaining the attention of scholars investigating large, global, infrastructure projects as reported in engineering, management and construction journals. Increasingly, it is evident that the problem areas attached to these projects stretch beyond technical issues: they must be considered as socio-technical endeavours embedded in complex institutional frames. The authors suggest that studying how to deal with institutional differences in the environment of megaprojects has both theoretical and practical implications. Highlights: Rodney Turner wanted PM researchers to develop a theory of project management from practice. Megaprojects require careful consideration of institutional arrangements in practice Institutional theory as a useful lens to view megaprojects. Ways to carry out research in megaprojects using institutional theory. A research agenda for megaprojects.