Institutional Logics and Their Influence on Enterprise Architecture Adoption

Abstract

Enterprise architecture adoption (EAA), often ironically known as “ineffective adoption,” is frequently marked by poor utilization and signals of failure. To date, comprehensive examinations of which factors influence EAA are lacking. This study aims to address this knowledge gap. The paper uses an interpretive multiple case-study approach using an institutional theory lens to conduct the research. The findings show that three institutional logics dominate EAA: managerialism, professionalism, and user logic. These logics drive stakeholder activities and behaviors and ultimately influence EAA processes and outcomes. The paper contributes to the literature by explaining how these three logics influence the adoption process. Practitioners will be able to use the logics discussed in this study to assess and prevent potential challenges to adoption by carefully examining the stakeholder behaviors and activities embedded in these logics.