Customization or Conformity? An Institutional and Network Perspective on the Content and Consequences of TQM Adoption

摘要: The authors thank Rakesh Khurana, Mark Shanley, and Edward Zajac for valuable comments on earlier versions of this paper. paper has also benefited from the helpful Christine Oliver three anonymous reviewers ASQ, as well editorial assistance Linda Johanson. following groups provided data used in study: AHA Hospital Research Educational Trust, Data Survey Group, Joint Commission Accreditation Health Care Organizations, Investment Analysts. We Baxter Foundation Graduate Program Services Management at Kellogg School generously funding research. Additional support was by A.C. Buehler Chair School. An version received 1996 West Press Best Paper Award Organization Theory Division Academy Management. This study develops a theoretical framework that integrates institutional network perspectives form consequences administrative innovations. Hypotheses are tested with survey archival implementation total quality management (TQM) programs organizational efficiency legitimacy sample over 2,700 U.S. hospitals. results show early adopters customize TQM practices gains, while later gain adopting normative programs. findings suggest factors moderate role membership affecting innovations adopted provide strong evidence importance determining how defined implemented. discuss implications theory research processes effects literatures innovation adoption management.*