HEC Research Papers Series,
HEC Paris

Abstract: In this chapter, we first review the two main approaches to categories (understood from a cognitive perspective) found in the current literature. The ecological and the goal-based approaches to categories vary in terms of premises (prototypes vs. ideals), processes (central tendency and family resemblance vs. conceptual combination and goal achievement), and economic and institutional consequences. We then present three modes of reconciliation between the two approaches (intra-audience, inter-audience and as a function of field evolution) and integrate them more broadly into the institutional literature. Finally, in the last section, we expose fruitful areas for future research: we account for the domain validity of each approach; emphasize ignored research avenues at the field, organizational and individual levels; and finally make stronger connections between category research and strategy research.

Keywords: Categories; Institutional Approaches of Organizations

JEL-codes: L10

42 pages, April 8, 2016

Full text files

papers.cfm?abstract_id=2836098  Full text

Download statistics

• HEC Paris
• Ordering Working Papers
• Home page for this series

Questions (including download problems) about the papers in this series should be directed to Antoine Haldemann ()
Report other problems with accessing this service to Sune Karlsson ().

RePEc:ebg:heccah:1169This page generated on 2024-09-13 22:19:53.