Role theory

Martin Friesl and Annabelle Müller

Chapter 1.23 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Strategy as Practice, 2025, pp 97-100 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: A role is defined as the collective, behavioral expectation towards the owner of a particular social position. Role theory utilizes the concept of role to explain a wide array of social phenomena. This includes role display in formal organizations, the maintenance of autonomy in instances of constraining role expectations or the study of antecedents and consequences of conflictual behavioral expectations. Role theory has its origins in sociology, most notably the work of Herbert Mead, and social psychology, particularly Erving Goffman. In the SAP literature, role theory has been widely applied to study strategy making, strategic change, or the involvement of middle managers in strategy work. Overall, the relevance of role theory as a theoretical perspective for SAP is substantial.

Keywords: Role Theory; SAP; Middle Managers; Role Conflict; Strategy-Making; Role Transitions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035315956
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