Animated Times: Critical Transitions and the Maintenance of Field-Configuring Events

Abstract

International audienceRecent research has pointed to the challenge facing recurrent field-configuring events (FCEs)in trying to remain dominant in their fields over sustained periods. Based on a revelatory historical case studyof the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the leading FCE in its field, this paper explores how a fieldconfiguringrole can be maintained over time. We focus specifically on the FCE organization, and highlight theimportance of critical transitions, relatively short periods of time when fundamental changes were made to itsformal and informal governance rules, which redefined the event’s identity and scope, and thus ensured itremained the dominant event for field participants. In terms of the organizational dynamics facilitating criticaltransitions, we emphasize the importance of conflict as a driver of change, as well as the particular role of localstakeholders in renewing FCEs that are organized recurrently in the same location

Pluralism in Organizations: Learning from Unconventional Forms of Organizations

“…While the confluence of diverse logics may lead to conflict, bringing conflicts to the surface, rather than suppressing them, may help foster change and strengthen the mandate of field‐configuring events within their fields (Leca et al . ). However, even events purporting similar goals may differ in the amount of voice they give participants: Citroni () explains that events can range from ‘workshop’ style formats to pre‐packaged experiences.…”

Power Dynamics in Field-Level Events: A Narrative Approach

“…A second wave of research focused on what actually happens during field-level events (Leca, Rüling, & Puthod, 2015). For example, in contrast to Glynn’s (2008) study of the Atlanta Olympic games that pointed to their longitudinal effects in forming corporative elites in the hosting city, Thiel and Grabher’s (2015) study of the London Olympics explored how learning took place during the event, especially in highly observed moments such as the opening ceremony.…”

“…Organizers of field-level events use this form of power since they are “the orchestrators behind the ‘collective performances’” (Schüßler & Sydow, 2015, p. 287), and they have specific interest in shaping the event in certain ways (Anand & Jones, 2008; Schüßler, Dobusch, & Wessel, 2014). Organizers’ work begins prior to an event (Lena, 2011; Mair & Hehenberger, 2014), continues in between a series of events and sets the ground for future events (Leca et al, 2015). Their work shapes the dynamics of both sensemaking and power relations in the events (Leca et al, 2015).…”

“…Organizers’ work begins prior to an event (Lena, 2011; Mair & Hehenberger, 2014), continues in between a series of events and sets the ground for future events (Leca et al, 2015). Their work shapes the dynamics of both sensemaking and power relations in the events (Leca et al, 2015). Organizers choose event locations (Moeran, 2011; Rüling, 2011; Schüßler et al, 2014), determine how exclusive or inclusive an event will be (Lampel, 2011; Lena, 2011; Mair & Hehenberger, 2014; Rüling & Pedersen, 2010), shape the spaces for participants’ interactions (Hardy & Maguire, 2010; Mair & Hehenberger, 2014; Schüßler, Rüling, & Wittneben, 2014; Zilber, 2011) and affect the visibility of other actors (Moeran, 2011; Rüling & Pedersen, 2010).…”

Stratégies de conquête d’un nouvel espace de marché : la structuration du crowdlending

“…Lorsque la régulation paraît inadaptée, certains acteurs se révèlent dotés d'une capacité à se libérer des institutions et des normes existantes (BECKERT, 1999) par un « travail institutionnel » (LAWRENCE & SUDDABY, 2006). Ces acteurs, que l'on qualifie d'entrepreneurs institutionnels (DIMAGGIO, 1988;GREENWOOD & SUDDABY, 2006;MAGUIRE, HARDY, & LAWRENCE, 2004) jouent un rôle essentiel dans les industries émergentes car ils contribuent fortement à la restructuration et la reconfiguration du champ d'acteurs grâce par exemple à des évènements, des salons, ou des formations (LECA, RÜLING, & PUTHOD, 2015). C'est le cas par exemple de ceux qu'ont organisés Ouishare et Shareable dans le domaine de l'économie collaborative (MASSE, CARBONE, & ACQUIER, 2016).…”