A theory of the cultural evolution of the firm: the intra-organizational ecology of memes

Lastly, this article contributes to the growing interdisciplinary body of literature about memes and the evolution of culture and seeks to introduce this increasingly prominent perspective to the field of organization studies. We believe that the possibilities for a deeper understanding of firms by considering them as cultures that evolve are exciting. They extend much further than a single article can encompass and much more work is needed. We hope this article will encourage others to continue the process of discovery.

Note

This article benefited from the helpful comments and advice of Howard Aldrich, Joel Baum, Tom D'Aunno, Hennima Ibarra, Peter Murmann, Andrew Pettigrew, Jose Santos, Pat Thornton, John Van Maanen, Deanna Weeks, and the session participants of the Academy of Management, American Sociological Association, and Strategic Management Society meetings.

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