Identifying institutional vulnerability: the importance of language, and system boundaries

Dolfsma, W., Finch, J. and McMaster, R. (2011) Identifying institutional vulnerability: the importance of language, and system boundaries. Journal of Economic Issues, 45(4), pp. 805-818. (doi: 10.2753/JEI0021-3624450403)

Abstract

Taking the idea that institutional reproduction is not obvious and that institutions are vulnerable has significant conceptual implications. Institutional vulnerability can arise through communication between actors in a common language. To apprehend this requires an elaboration of John Searle's (1995, 2005) argument that language is the fundamental institution. Ontologically, language delineates and circumscribes a community. A community cannot function without a common language, and language at the same time constitutes a community's boundaries, allowing for focused and effective communication within a community. Communication through language introduces ambiguity as well, however, and so institutional reproduction, mediated by language, is a deeply contentious process. Communication across boundaries may particularly "irritate" a system, as Niklas Luhmann has argued. How can institutions then be re-identified through change? Searle's general form for institutions is in need of elaboration. We develop arguments by drawing upon Luhmann's (1995) systems analysis and notion of communication.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McMaster, Professor Robert
• Authors: Dolfsma, W., Finch, J., and McMaster, R.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: Journal of Economic Issues
• ISSN: 0021-3624