Institutional logics and the organizational context of music therapy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this theoretical article is to broaden our conception of the organization as context for music therapy. The theoretical concepts presented can be of interest to music therapy practitioners, researchers, and communities that work with implementing music therapy. Method: Based on a review of the music therapy literature, the author explores how organization theory is currently used to understand the organizational context of music therapy. The author uses an abductive approach in the analysis of the adapted organization theories in the literature, and the implications of the prevailing view of the organization as context for music therapy. Results: The adapted organizational perspectives which are identified in the music therapy literature, leave a theoretical gap between theory and practice. The implication of this gap is that music therapists’ experiences with the organization and other workers’ values, norms, practice, identity, and culture are not sufficiently theoretically captured. In response to these implications, the Institutional Logics Perspective (ILP) is introduced to broaden our understanding of the organizational context for music therapy. Discussion: ILP provides a framework that enables music therapists to assess their organizational context in a way that captures values, norms and established practices. This enabling can potentially lead music therapists to both adopt and change existing values, norms and practices in the organizational context. This reciprocal process can lead to increased understanding of music therapy as mind-set and practice in the organization, which, in turn can contribute to strengthening music therapy as a profession and an institutional field.