Boundaries and organizations: a few considerations for research

Purpose – The article seeks to explore the various ways in which researchers have approached boundaries in relation to organizations. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is conceptual in nature and explores prominent strands of research into boundaries within and at the periphery of the organization through a selective literature analysis. Findings – The paper introduces new categories in the way boundaries are conceptualized and explores how researchers can introduce these in their studies. Research limitations/implications – The literature review is selective and provides an indication of how further work could be directed. Practical implications – The work could be of use to those exploring the dynamics of organizational boundaries. Originality/value – A few convergence zones in the literature are identified and a new categorization indicating the dichotomies inherent in the study of organizational boundaries is introduced.