Bringing morality back in: institutional theory and MacIntyre

Moore, G.; Grandy, G.

doi:10.1177/1056492616670754

Bringing morality back in: institutional theory and MacIntyre

Moore, G.; Grandy, G.

Authors

Professor Geoff Moore geoff.moore@durham.ac.uk
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer

G. Grandy

Abstract

This article sets out to explore the extent to which the moral dimension is an essential component in organizational life. From a theoretical viewpoint, it argues that institutional theory lacks a positive account of the role of morality at the organizational level. We propose that this can be addressed by integrating the work of the moral philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre with institutional theory’s notions of logics, contradictions, and legitimacy. Empirically, we look to a group of Christian churches in the northeast of England to provide insights into practitioners’ concerns with the telos of their organizations and the core practices of their faith, and hence of an essential concern for the morality of organizational life. We conclude that any understanding of practice-based organizations that ignores or underplays the moral dimension will give, at best, a diminished account of organizational life, and hence that institutional theory needs to rethink its neglect of morality.

Citation

Moore, G., & Grandy, G. (2017). Bringing morality back in: institutional theory and MacIntyre. Journal of Management Inquiry, 26(2), 146-164. https://doi.org/10.1177/1056492616670754

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Aug 20, 2016
Online Publication Date	Sep 28, 2016
Publication Date	Apr 1, 2017
Deposit Date	Aug 24, 2016
Publicly Available Date	Aug 24, 2016
Journal	Journal of Management Inquiry
Print ISSN	1056-4926
Electronic ISSN	1552-6542
Publisher	SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	26
Issue	2
Pages	146-164
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1177/1056492616670754
Public URL	https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1405849

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Copyright Statement
Moore, G. and Grandy, G. (2017) 'Bringing morality back in : institutional theory and MacIntyre.', Journal of management inquiry., 26 (2). pp. 146-164. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications.