Individual Actors Coping with Institutional Complexity Within a State-civil Society Partnership: The Role of Sensemaking

This study investigates the role of sensemaking in individual actors’ responses to tensions between institutional logics within a state-civil society partnership. It also links sensemaking to the partnership’s practical activities. The study illustrates tensions that resulted from activation of sensemaking as actors drew on different institutional frameworks. Responses to tensions were legitimized by sensemaking processes, in turn affecting the partnership’s practical activities. The study contributes to the literature by providing a nuanced understanding of individual actors’ responses to institutional complexity, highlighting the role of sensemaking and demonstrating a link between sensemaking and the partnership's practical activities.