Institutional change: intra-denominational coalition collaboration in the Presbyterian Church in America

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Alabama Libraries
Abstract

The recent surge in religious studies coupled with the strict decline in religion creates the backdrop for the need for this paper. In this study, I use a fantasy theme analysis approach to analyzing data from 23 semi-structured interviews with Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) pastors. I utilize Institutional Work Theory, Symbolic Convergence Theory, and Bona Fide Group Perspective to understand how the dominant coalitions within the PCA interact to affect change in the institution. My findings highlight the difficulties associated with embedded agency and new contributions to each of the aforementioned theoretical perspectives. My project offers a perspective on the uniqueness and value of studying religious denominations as institutions.

Description
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation
Keywords
Communication, Organization theory
Citation