MORSe (Management and Organization Research Seminars): CLEANING UP THE WATER LAW OF BRITISH COLUMBIA: A PROBLEMISTIC APPROACH TO RULE CHANGE
Institute of Management and Organisation
Start date: 10 April 2008
End date: 11 April 2008
Martin Schultz (U. of British Columbia)
Thursday the 10th of April
room 354
12.30 - 14.00
Abstract
This study develops a problemistic (i.e., problem-oriented) approach to explore legal rule evolution. We draw on theories of organizations – in particular theories about organizational rules, but also theories from neighboring disciplines – to formulate hypotheses and develop models of the hazard rate of legal rule change. We propose that the evolution of a law can be seen as an interplay between rules and problems, and explore how changes to law can be produced by three problem-related mechanisms: problem attraction, problem recognition, and problem engagement. Our study suggests that the problemistic perspective can shed new light on the evolution of organizations, laws, and of social institutions in general.
