Strategic sensemaking and political connections in unstable institutional contexts
Abstract
Emerging economies are often characterized by pervasive institutional changes and resultant institutional voids. In the absence of strong formal institutions, firms rely on informal institutions to fill these voids. This article argues that the process of sensemaking for firms in turbulent environments is continuous and dependent on cyclical adjustments connecting performance via a feedback loop to scanning and interpretation. Far from being a one-time occurrence, environmental sensemaking is a process operating in accord with continuous environmental changes. This study’s findings derive from an in-depth analysis of a Russian pharmaceutical firm and an Indian telecommunications firm, and demonstrate that entrepreneurs make sense and gain legitimacy through political connections. The study further finds that improvements in institutional environments reduce the salience of political networks, thereby creating a choice for firms to rely on formed market mechanisms or continue along the path of political connections that evolve to public–private partnerships.
Document Type
Journal Article
School
School of Business and Law
RAS ID
29078
Copyright
free_to_read
Publisher
Sage Publications
Comments
Klarin, A., & Sharmelly, R. (2019). Strategic sensemaking and political connections in unstable institutional contexts. Journal of Management Inquiry. Available here