Unpacking Social Mechanisms. Comparing Social Constructivism and Organization Theory Perspectives

Whereas a constructivist turn has occurred in recent international relations theory, an institutionalist turn has occurred in organization theories of the 1980's and 1990's. Social constructivism and organization theory exhibit important similarities as regards the basic underlying social mechanisms paid heed to. Consequently, one rationale for comparing these two strands of arguments rests on the observation that (i) they address the same dependent variables - i.e. decision behaviour, identity formation and role conceptions, and (ii) that some of the underlying mechanisms explaining these variables are nearly identical. Regarding the dependent variables, this article discusses the construction of identities, role conceptions and decision behaviours amongst central government officials. Moreover, the frame of reference for the current discussion is government officials from domestic central administrative institutions participating within committees and working groups within the European Union. This frame is chosen because officials who participate in several polities simultaneously are assumed to be challenged as regards their identifications, role conceptions and modes of acting.