Institutional Theory and the Natural Environment: Research in (and on) the Anthropocene

Abstract

This review article summarizes the main tenets of institutional theory as they apply to the topic of the Anthropocene in the domain of organization and the natural environment (O&NE). But our review is distinctive for two reasons: first, it is focused on providing avenues researching the Anthropocene Era. Second, while based on the trajectory of current, accumulated theory and research, our review is forward-looking in its orientation and thus aimed at guiding future work to explore the emergence of a new social reality in Anthropocene Society. We begin by summarizing the scientific research on the Anthropocene Era, then move to its implications for grand and mid-range institutional theory principles, and, of institutional principles for the study of it. We end with a call to reenergize and re-radicalize the O&NE field to properly address the magnitude and scope of this shift to the Anthropocene.