New institutionalism or neo-institutionalism is a theory that focuses on developing a sociological view of institutions—the way they interact and the way they affect society. It provides a way of viewing institutions outside of the traditional views of economics by explaining why so many businesses end up having the same organizational structure (isomorphism) even though they evolved in different ways, and how institutions shape the behavior of individual members.
Sociological or political new institutionalism should not be confused with new institutional economics.
Read more about New Institutionalism: History, Introduction To New Institutionalism, Sub-fields of The New Institutionalism, Interdisciplinary Relevance, Critiques of New Institutionalism