Beyond the Convergence-Divergence Debate: The Role of Spatial Scales in Transforming Organizational Logic

University of Warwick, UK

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

	Abstract

Studies of organizational globalization typically assume that space is progressively 'overcome', resulting in the convergence of organizational logics, or that organizations continue to be embedded within the space of the nation state, resulting in divergent organizational logics. I argue that organizational logics are transformed as they move across space. Transformations in organizational logic are also underpinned by changes in space. I use the concept of spatial scale to theorize changes in space. I argue that spatial scales are multiple spatial levels that are produced through three interconnected processes: capital accumulation, regulation and articulation of discourse. Organizational logics are typically positioned on a number of spatial scales at once. The transformation of organizational logic is underpinned by processes of rescaling and resistance involving the political contestation of scale. I conclude by reflecting on what contributions the concept of scales makes to studies of the transformation of organizational logics.

Key Words: globalization, space, scale, national business systems, embeddedness

First published on September 7, 2006, doi:10.1177/0170840606067515

Organization Studies 2006;27:1467.

A more recent version of this article appeared on October 1, 2006


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