Karan Sonpar

Normal Accident Theory versus High Reliability Theory: A resolution and call for an open systems view of accidents

We resolve the longstanding debate between Normal Accident Theory (NAT) and High-Reliability Theory (HRT) by introducing a temporal dimension. Specifically, we explain that the two theories appear to diverge because they look at the accident phenomenon at different points of time. We, however, note that the debate’s resolution does not address the non-falsifiability problem that both NAT and HRT suffer from. Applying insights from the open systems perspective, we reframe NAT in a manner that helps the theory to address its non-falsifiability problem and factor in the role of humans in accidents. Finally, arguing that open systems theory can account for the conclusions reached by NAT and HRT, we proceed to offer pointers for future research to theoretically and empirically develop an open systems view of accidents.

Using Content Analysis to Elaborate Adolescent Theories of Organization

This article shows how content analysis of textual archival data facilitates elaboration of adolescent theories. Drawing on the framework of a well-developed theory offered by Bacharach, the authors explain how specific protocols in content analysis can facilitate elaboration of three theoretical elements underdeveloped in adolescent theories: scientific robustness, relationship identification, and boundary establishment. Using an empirical example from a health care study, they illustrate the use of content analysis protocols to elaborate some theoretical elements of the attention-based view of the firm. The article contributes to content analysis and more generally to research methodology by specifying closer linkages between theory elaboration and content analysis.

Large-Scale Events as Catalysts for Creating Mutual Dependence Between Social Ventures and Resource Providers

We examine the resource mobilization efforts undertaken by a social venture to organize the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games and bring about a change in social attitudes towards the cause of learning and intellectual disabilities. In contrast to previously advanced views of social ventures as powerless actors, we find instead that they are able to leverage the visibility afforded by large-scale events to create positions of mutual dependence, which allow them to access broad support bases and assert themselves in relationships with external parties. Specifically, we find that resource mobilization involves six distinct tactics rooted in the softer forms of power, namely, attraction and inducement. The use of these soft-power tactics depends upon the social venture’s goal at different moments of the relationship with its partners and the level of support available from each external party. Our elaborated theory highlights both the role and limitations of soft power in mobilizing resources and managing relationships.

Reconciliation can lead to better application: A rejoinder to Perrow (2009)

In his brief commentary, Perrow raises four issues. First, he alludes to how the misuse of bureaucratic power could explain some accidents. Second, he reiterates that normal accidents occur owing to the characteristics inherent in a system, and such accidents, irrespective of whether high reliability practices are followed or not, are inevitable. Third, Perrow asserts that complexity and coupling are independent of time of operation. The time dimension’s irrelevance, he claims, ought to be apparent from his analysis of normal accidents in systems such as the air transport and chemical industry (see Perrow, 1984). Fourth, Perrow implies that High Reliability Theory (HRT) cannot explain the sub-class of accidents that Normal Accident Theory (NAT) concerns itself with. He thus makes a case for retaining NAT alongside other theories and finds little value in our reconciliation. In fact, he finds the reconciliation inappropriate because we supposedly err in implicating time. We respond to the four issues in turn.

Keeping up with the Joneses: Industry rivalry, commitment to frames and sensemaking failures:

Drawing on a qualitative study of the banking crisis in Ireland, we examine how a cognitive frame of environmental conditions that is shared among industry rivals constrains their ability to act on the cues of slowly incubating threats. We find that shared frames are reinforced through social comparisons that prompt imitation and through their enactment that prompts a reconfiguration of internal control structures and power relationships. The reinforcement of a shared frame dulls the emerging cues of changing market conditions and weakens perception of the risks of staying the course. A core contribution of this study is to highlight the cognitive and political processes by which a shared frame solidifies within an industry, trapping organizations in their enacted environment and resulting in their collective failure.

ROLE OF CONTENT ANALYSIS IN DEVELOPING ADOLESCENT THEORIES.

Content analysis of archival records is proposed as a useful mechanism to develop adolescent theories. Using Bacharachs (1989) framework on theory-evaluation, we identify and develop a list of pro...