The “Acts” of Paul: Micro-processes and new institution creation
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Bradley A. Almond
Abstract
How do new institutions get created? And what role do micro-processes play in this creative process? To date, there have been minimal efforts to fully describe and model the process by which the discrete and various micro-level activities of institutional actors contribute to the creation of new institutions. Drawing from recent scholarship in institutional work, in this paper, I employ a grounded theory approach to the life and works of Paul of Tarsus as recorded in biblical texts to develop a process model of the creation of a new institution which emphasizes micro-level processes, particularly sensemaking. The model centers on two simultaneous and iterative processes by which Paul crafts a message for his various audiences and reinforces these teachings with behavioral, relational, and structures. The emergence of an institution is conceived as the long-term accretion of many discrete institutional acts.
Abstract
How do new institutions get created? And what role do micro-processes play in this creative process? To date, there have been minimal efforts to fully describe and model the process by which the discrete and various micro-level activities of institutional actors contribute to the creation of new institutions. Drawing from recent scholarship in institutional work, in this paper, I employ a grounded theory approach to the life and works of Paul of Tarsus as recorded in biblical texts to develop a process model of the creation of a new institution which emphasizes micro-level processes, particularly sensemaking. The model centers on two simultaneous and iterative processes by which Paul crafts a message for his various audiences and reinforces these teachings with behavioral, relational, and structures. The emergence of an institution is conceived as the long-term accretion of many discrete institutional acts.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Acknowledgments VII
- Contents IX
- MSR foundational research: An anthology of JMSR best papers 1
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Part I: Engagement with foundational contemporary management/organization issues
- The “Acts” of Paul: Micro-processes and new institution creation 15
- Calling to the anima mundi: On restoring soul within organizations 57
- Divine callings: Religious sensemaking in the organizational founding process 77
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Part II: Workplace religion research informing mainstream management areas
- Buying monastic products, gift or purchase? 103
- Work calling and humility: Framing for job idolization, workaholism, and exploitation 135
- The role of spiritual leadership in reducing healthcare worker burnout 153
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Part III: Approaches/methodologies of engaging core spiritual/religious principles/practices
- Black mothers at work: A contemplative and anti-oppressive approach to dismantling workplace oppression 179
- When work becomes meditation: How managers use work as a tool for personal growth 209
- Discernment in management and organizations 233
- Servant leadership from multiple domains and follower work behavior 267
- Brief biographical notes on the contributors 291
- Index 295
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Acknowledgments VII
- Contents IX
- MSR foundational research: An anthology of JMSR best papers 1
-
Part I: Engagement with foundational contemporary management/organization issues
- The “Acts” of Paul: Micro-processes and new institution creation 15
- Calling to the anima mundi: On restoring soul within organizations 57
- Divine callings: Religious sensemaking in the organizational founding process 77
-
Part II: Workplace religion research informing mainstream management areas
- Buying monastic products, gift or purchase? 103
- Work calling and humility: Framing for job idolization, workaholism, and exploitation 135
- The role of spiritual leadership in reducing healthcare worker burnout 153
-
Part III: Approaches/methodologies of engaging core spiritual/religious principles/practices
- Black mothers at work: A contemplative and anti-oppressive approach to dismantling workplace oppression 179
- When work becomes meditation: How managers use work as a tool for personal growth 209
- Discernment in management and organizations 233
- Servant leadership from multiple domains and follower work behavior 267
- Brief biographical notes on the contributors 291
- Index 295
