When Formality Works: Authority and Abstraction in Law and Organizations

摘要: In this innovative exploration of the concept formality, or governing by abstraction, Arthur Stinchcombe breathes new life into an idea that scholars have all but ignored in recent years. We come to assume our social activities advance planning creating abstract descriptions what ought happen and adjusting these as situations change is not efficient responsive dealing directly with real substance situation at hand. argues opposite. When a plan designed correct itself keep up reality it meant govern, can be remarkably successful. He points out wide range examples where case, including architectural blueprints, immigration law, construction common law appeals courts, Fannie Mae's secondary mortgage market, scientific paradigms programs. Arguing formality has been misconceived consisting mainly its defects, shows how best, serve us much better than ritual obedience poorly laid plans romantic appeal "real life.""