Things that last? Category creation, imprinting, and durability
File(s)
Author(s)
Rhee, EY
Lo, YC
Kennedy, MT
Fiss, PC
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Drawing on the notion of imprinting, we develop a framework for understanding category emergence and durability by suggesting that the durability of a category reflects its emergence conditions. We propose four ideal-typical mechanisms – consensus, proof, fiat, and truce – that arise from differences in the degree of agreement and the centralization of the authority regarding category definitions. Our framework not only relates category durability to emergence but also highlights the role of category promoters and constituencies in an ongoing process of category maintenance. We discuss implications for understanding the dynamics of the categorization process in various social and product market contexts.
Date Issued
2017-03-17
Date Acceptance
2016-09-09
Citation
Research in the Sociology of Organizations, 2017, 51, pp.295-325
ISSN
0733-558X
Publisher
Emerald
Start Page
295
End Page
325
Journal / Book Title
Research in the Sociology of Organizations
Volume
51
Copyright Statement
© 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited
Subjects
Business & Management
1503 Business and Management
1608 Sociology
Publication Status
Submitted