Possible futures, present logics: A neo-institutional view of the scenario planning process

This paper integrates work on institutional logics with that of sensemaking in the context of the scenario planning process. We explore the influence of three societal-level institutional logic struggles, as manifested within the context, content and process of a large public sector organization’s scenario development exercise. We view this as a significant opportunity to employ institutional logics to enhance our understanding of the political nature of public policy development and as an opportunity to challenge the assumptions of scenario planning as a strategy tool. Conversely, we also use the sensemaking-sensegiving activities of scenario planning to identify occasions where institutional logics have a direct impact on the strategic dialogue.