Institutional complexity and consumer wellbeing: Navigating the conflicting logics of religion, state and market during the Covid-19 pandemic

Sandikci Turkdogan, O. , Tarı Kasnakoğlu, B. and Omeraki Çekirdekci, Ş. (2024) Institutional complexity and consumer wellbeing: Navigating the conflicting logics of religion, state and market during the Covid-19 pandemic. Marketing Theory, (doi: 10.1177/14705931241245593) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Institutional complexity arises when multiple institutional logics prescribe divergent and incompatible behaviors. Studies show that exposure to contradictory prescriptions of multiple logics may trigger identity tensions, strategic challenges, and legitimacy problems. We add to this research stream by exploring the implications of the incompatibility between religion and other logics on consumer wellbeing. Extant research reports a generally positive effect of religion on wellbeing but limits the analytical attention to the individual effects of religiosity. Viewing religion as part of an inter-institutional system, we seek to understand why religion and other institutional logics might come into a conflictual relationship with each other and destabilize wellbeing. We find that critical events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, change the relative centrality of logics and prompt individuals to engage in incompatible behaviors. We also discuss how consumers manage the sudden and unexpected institutional complexity they face and seek to restore their wellbeing.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sandikci Turkdogan, Professor Ozlem
• Authors: Sandikci Turkdogan, O., Tarı Kasnakoğlu, B., and Omeraki Çekirdekci, Ş.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: Marketing Theory
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 1470-5931
• ISSN (Online): 1741-301X
• Published Online: 09 April 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright: © The Author(s) 2024
• First Published: First published in Marketing Theory 2024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence