This paper develops a model of practice-driven institutional change; that is, change that originates in the everyday work of individuals, but results in a shift in field-level logic. In demonstrating how improvisations at work can generate institutional change, we attend to the earliest moments...

In this paper, we empirically examine how professional service firms are adapting their promotion and career models to new market and institutional pressures, without losing the benefits of the traditional up-or-out tournament. Based on an in-depth qualitative study of 10 large UK based law...

In this chapter, we discuss the nature of innovation in professional service firms. We argue that the distinctive characteristics of these firms affect their innovation drivers, sources, processes and outcomes. We suggest that, paradoxically, innovation in professional services is primarily...

In this paper, we start a new conversation about how career paths affect innovation capacity in professional service firms (PSFs) that face escalating pressures from clients to deliver more ingenious solutions plus enhanced efficiency. Using top-tier law firms as an illustrative case, we...

Drawing on evidence from a unique dataset of in-depth qualitative interviews with 12 female CEOs (and 139 male CEOs) of global corporations we explore what enables some women to become CEOs. By drawing on our data from male and female CEOs we set the scene by comparing the advice they would give...