Boundaries and organizations: a few considerations for research

Abstract

Purpose

The article seeks to explore the various ways in which researchers have approached boundaries in relation to organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual in nature and explores prominent strands of research into boundaries within and at the periphery of the organization through a selective literature analysis.

Findings

The paper introduces new categories in the way boundaries are conceptualized and explores how researchers can introduce these in their studies.

Research limitations/implications

The literature review is selective and provides an indication of how further work could be directed.

Practical implications

The work could be of use to those exploring the dynamics of organizational boundaries.

Originality/value

A few convergence zones in the literature are identified and a new categorization indicating the dichotomies inherent in the study of organizational boundaries is introduced.

Citation

Vakkayil, J.D. (2012), "Boundaries and organizations: a few considerations for research", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 203-220. https://doi.org/10.1108/19348831211227837

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