Talking the Talk, Moral Entrapment, Creeping Commitment? Exploring Narrative Dynamics in Corporate Responsibility Standardization
Journal
Organization Studies
ISSN
0170-8406
ISSN-Digital
1741-3044
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2012-05
Author(s)
Haack, Patrick
;
Schöneborn, Dennis
;
Wickert, Christopher
Abstract
This paper examines the type and temporal development of language in the process of corporate responsibility (CR) standardization. Previous research on CR standardization has addressed the proliferation and organizational embedding of material practices but neglected the analysis of underlying ideational dynamics. Departing from this practice, we introduce a narrative perspective that illuminates the trajectory a CR standard follows, from being formally adopted to becoming collectively accepted as a valid solution to a problem of societal concern. We argue that this perspective helps scholars explore the dynamic interplay between symbolic and material aspects of standardization and understand better the discursive antecedents of coupling processes in organizations. Drawing on the case of the Equator Principles standard in international project finance, we empirically study how narratives create meaning shared by both business firms and their societal observers, thereby exemplifying the analytical merit of a narrative approach to CR standardization.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Publisher place
Thousand Oaks USA
Volume
33
Number
5-6
Start page
815
End page
845
Pages
31
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
209016
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
open.access
Name
Haack, Schoeneborn, Wickert_2012_OrgStudies.pdf
Size
497.26 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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