IV ISA Forum of Sociology (February 23-28, 2021)

637

Professions and Organisations: The Strength of the Weak Ties Revisited

Abstract Submissions Closed

RC52 Sociology of Professional Groups (host committee)

Language: English

Session Type: Oral

Both professions and organisations are susceptible to change and uncertainty in knowledge domains, in new technologies, and in shifting markets, despite the organisations’ need for institutional legitimacy and stability. Professions have been constantly challenged, but they have shown a strong capacity to adapt. In uncertain times, organisations may seek ‘‘weak ties.’’ Weak ties are connections with diverse and unfamiliar entities, beyond the tight interdependency of institutional strong ties. Weak ties can offer access to new resources and enhanced competencies beyond existing institutional structures (Granovetter, 1973). “New patterns” of professionalism have been associated to the influence of the contemporary social and economic change on organisations, clearly embattled in some of the fields of professions traditional strength, due of their developed organisational characteristics or attributes. Concerning professional autonomy and power, despite the recent developments in the fields of professions and organisations, much controversy persist and some others arise regarding professionals’ actions and roles. Are professionals’ strategies been increasingly shaped by managerial values? On the other hand, are professionals still using both individual and group strategies to unsure their objectives and to keep their autonomy?

This session invites both theoretical and empirical papers, in diverse country contexts, addressing this topic, particularly the issues connecting professions and organisations in the context of growing managerial rationale. Key for submissions is focusing on issues related to the challenges that organisations pose to professions; the extent to which organisations stimulate and/or constrain new forms of professional autonomy and power; and the rebuilding of professions-organisations connection.