A Framework for the Study of Positive Deviance in Organizations

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Accepted Manuscript (AM)
Author(s)
Mertens, Willem
Recker, Jan
Kohlborn, Thomas
Kummer, Tyge
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2016
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Show full item recordAbstract
Positive deviance describes behavior that deviates from salient norms, yet is positive in its intention or effect. It has received considerable attention in the sociology literature, and is increasingly being studied in the context of the workplace. The development of a cumulative tradition in this domain, however, is hindered by the continued coexistence of multiple definitions of positive deviance in organizations and the use of various measurements and research designs. In this article, we synthesize existing definitions and approaches to the organizational study of positive deviance, integrate them into a coherent ...
View more >Positive deviance describes behavior that deviates from salient norms, yet is positive in its intention or effect. It has received considerable attention in the sociology literature, and is increasingly being studied in the context of the workplace. The development of a cumulative tradition in this domain, however, is hindered by the continued coexistence of multiple definitions of positive deviance in organizations and the use of various measurements and research designs. In this article, we synthesize existing definitions and approaches to the organizational study of positive deviance, integrate them into a coherent conceptual framework, and offer methodological advice and illustrations.
View less >
View more >Positive deviance describes behavior that deviates from salient norms, yet is positive in its intention or effect. It has received considerable attention in the sociology literature, and is increasingly being studied in the context of the workplace. The development of a cumulative tradition in this domain, however, is hindered by the continued coexistence of multiple definitions of positive deviance in organizations and the use of various measurements and research designs. In this article, we synthesize existing definitions and approaches to the organizational study of positive deviance, integrate them into a coherent conceptual framework, and offer methodological advice and illustrations.
View less >
Journal Title
Deviant Behavior
Copyright Statement
© 2016 Taylor & Francis (Routledge). This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Deviant Behavior on 23 May 2016, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/01639625.2016.1174519
Subject
Psychology not elsewhere classified
Sociology
Psychology