Legitimacy-Seeking Organizational Strategies in Controversial Industries: A Case Study Analysis and a Bidimensional Model

Jon D. Reast, François Maon, Adam Lindgreen, Joelle Vanhamme

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

Abstract

Controversial industry sectors, such as alcohol, gambling, and tobacco, though long-established, suffer organizational legitimacy problems. The authors consider various strategies used to seek organizational legitimacy in the U.K. casino gambling market. The findings are based on a detailed, multistakeholder case study pertaining to a failed bid for a regional supercasino. They suggest four generic strategies for seeking organizational legitimacy in this highly complex context: construing, earning, bargaining, and capturing, as well as pathways that combine these strategies. The case analysis and proposed bidimensional model of generic legitimacy-seeking strategies contribute to limited literature on organizational legitimacy in controversial industry sectors. In addition, beyond organizations active in controversial contexts, this study and its implications are useful for individuals and organizations supporting or opposing the organizational legitimacy of organizations in controversial industries.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftJournal of Business Ethics
Vol/bind118
Udgave nummer1
Sider (fra-til)139-153
Antal sider15
ISSN0167-4544
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2013
Udgivet eksterntJa

Emneord

  • Case study
  • Casino
  • Controversial industry
  • Corporate social responsibility
  • Legitimacy
  • Stakeholders

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