The Future of Organization Studies: Beyond the Selection–Adaptation Debate

Abstract

Abstract This article explores the coevolution perspective as a new meta-theoretical lens for research in organization studies and for reintegrating organization theory and strategy. It is believed that coevolution frameworks will inform research in organization studies, that spans levels of analyses and involves adaptation or change over time. This article states that coevolution frameworks could prove especially useful for progress on bridging the adaptation-selection chasm and for developing insights into the mutation process of incumbent organizations. The coevolution meta-theoretical lens has the potential for integrating micro- and macro-level evolution within a unifying framework, incorporating multiple levels of analyses and contingent effects, and leading to new insights, new theories, new empirical methods, and new understanding. In conclusion, this article argues that advances in organization studies require moving beyond the adaptation-selection debate and should emerge from building and testing coevolutionary theories.