The flagship university in your state recently completed a new state-of-the-art student center,complete with bowling alleys,fast-food outlets,group study space,and the latest green technology.Shortly after it was finished,almost every other university in your state began clamoring for a new student center,too.How would the theory of institutional isomorphism explain this?
A) Their student centers were probably also out of date.
B) Universities see an indirect payoff in such an investment.
C) As tuition rises,parents are increasingly vocal stakeholders.
D) Universities operate in the same environment and therefore end up looking alike.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The theory of institutional isomorphism suggests that organizations operating in the same environment tend to become more similar over time. In this case, the presence of a state-of-the-art student center at one university may have led other universities to want to adopt similar features in order to remain competitive and meet the expectations of students and other stakeholders. This process of institutional homogenization can help to legitimize organizations and create a shared sense of identity within the field, but it can also limit diversity and creativity.

The Flagship University in Your State Recently Completed a New