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Although most philosophical accounts about model/world relations focus on structural mappings such as isomorphism, similarity has long been discussed as an alternative account. Despite its attractions, proponents of the similarity view have not provided detailed accounts of what it means that a model is similar to a real-world target system. This article gives the outlines of such an account, drawing on the work of Amos Tversky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we respond to calls for an institution-based perspective on strategy. With its emphasis upon mimetic, coercive, and normative isomorphism, institutional theory has earned a deterministic reputation and seems an unlikely foundation on which to construct a theory of strategy. However, a second movement in institutional theory is emerging that gives greater emphasis to creativity and agency. We develop this approach by highlighting co-evolutionary processes that are shaping the varieties of capitalism (VoC) in Asia. To do so, we examine the extent to which the VoC model can be fruitfully applied in the Asian context. In the spirit of the second movement of institutional theory, we describe three processes in which firm strategy collectively and intentionally feeds back to shape institutions: (1) filling institutional voids, (2) retarding institutional innovation, and (3) deploying institutional escape. We outline the key contributions contained in the articles of this Special Issue and discuss a research agenda generated by the VoC perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The findings of recent studies into relocation by German companies are puzzling: companies relocate because they are willing to cut costs, but entrepreneurs and managers seem to have failed to predict further and sometimes fatal costs associated with relocation. This paper sheds light on why relocation has become a general trend among German companies, despite those inefficiencies and costs. It points to the role of the discourse in creating the myth of relocation as a strategy to reduce costs. Discourse can in fact help to diffuse ideas independently of their empirical truth and give voice to influential actors who are able to induce isomorphic processes. In order to give an account of why companies' decisions to relocate have become so popular in Germany, regardless of their economic soundness, the paper draws on an analysis of German newspapers and business press that were published between January 1990 and July 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]