Leveraging Geographic Information in Organization Studies: Beginning the Conversation

Abstract

We propose geographic information systems (GIS) as a framework in organization studies, particularly for scholars who consider the nuances of space and geography in various organizational contexts. GIS are computer-based systems that manage, store, analyze, and distribute spatial data. While more and more scholars recognize the theoretical significance of organizational space, suggestions for conducting empirical research around organizational space using alternative frameworks – such as GIS – are seldom made. We present an introduction to GIS and various spatial analyses through a case study of organizations in the reproductive healthcare field and offer future directions related to the geographic implications of understanding organizations and organizing through GIS.