Conventions: an interpretation of deep structure in organizations

Explores the role of convention in human action, and discusses two types of uncertainty, firstly where no past example exists, secondly, where others can influence an outcome, suggests that coping with uncertainty is a problem of rationalization not rationality. Debates justification, underlines that justification for one's actions appears to be a basic human need, contends that 'rational voids' exist where individuals assume common acceptance, and therefore justification is not needed. Discusses the role of symbols and semiotics in rational voids and common acceptance. Draws the foregoing elements into a definition that states that convention eliminates uncertainty, is evolutionary stable, provides a rational void and is based on shared belief. Looks at situations where individuals are subject to competing conventions, selection processes when deciding which convention to follow, and compares coherence and dissonance, and individual and collective rationalization. Advocates that managers accept the inevitable existence of hidden beliefs.