Abstract: . . .  credible communication between exchange partners, this role differed significantly from that expected by many of its framers. In testimony before the Congress of the United States, many of the members of the ISO technical committee (TC 207) claimed that the institution had been de . . .
. . .  understand decentralized institutions. We propose that some decentralize institutions -- in particular, certified management standards -- may be used to reduce information asymmetries between potential exchange partners. We propose that managers think strategically about how exchange partners may react in the face of information asymmetries when deciding whether to avail themselves of the certification services provided by a private decentralized institution. Consistent with our theory, we find that . . .
. . .  adoption process. CONCLUSION In this article, we respond to calls for greater use of strategic analysis to understand decentralized institutions. We propose that some decentralize institutions -- in particular, certified management standards -- may be used to reduce information asymmetries between potential exchange partners. We propose that managers think strategically about how exchange partners may react in the face of information asymmetries when deciding whether to avail themselves of the certification . . .
. . .  exceeds symbolic action. Coupling of symbol and substance then occurs after the emergence of a decentralized institution that allows credible communication. Our research should not be interpreted to support a simplistic functionalist perspective of decentralized institutions. While our research suggests that ISO 14001 came to perform a functional role in allowing credible communication between exchange partners, this role differed significantly from that expected by many of its framers. In testimony . . .
. . .  feedback. Finally, we would like to thank Marshall Schminke a nd the three anonymous reviewers for their thoughtful direction and encouragement. This research was partially funded by NSF/EPA grant #R827819. Page 2 2 THE STRATEGIC USE OF DECENTRALIZED INSTITUTIONS: EXPLORING CERTIFICATION WITH THE ISO 14001 MANAGEMENT STANDARD Abstract: In this paper, we respond to calls by previous researchers to clarify the function of decentralized institutions by analyzing the strategic motives of individual actors. . . .
. . .  Finally, we would like to thank Marshall Schminke a nd the three anonymous reviewers for their thoughtful direction and encouragement. This research was partially funded by NSF/EPA grant #R827819. Page 2 2 THE STRATEGIC USE OF DECENTRALIZED INSTITUTIONS: EXPLORING CERTIFICATION WITH THE ISO 14001 MANAGEMENT STANDARD Abstract: In this paper, we respond to calls by previous researchers to clarify the function of decentralized institutions by analyzing the strategic motives of individual actors. We investigate . . .
--3000,6,250,3238,57407