Modernization and change in social housing: The case for an organizationalperspective

It is argued that past approaches to the research of housing policy and hou sing organizations are now inadequate and unable to provide a clear explana tion of modernization and change. The modernization of social housing is as sociated with changing core organizational competencies and the movement to wards a variety of partnership approaches. In response we develop a tripart ite theoretical framework based around new institutional economics, strateg ic management and institutional theory. An exploratory review of the eviden ce at a sectoral level (examining social housing as a field, regulation and the profession) and the organizational level (focusing upon changing organ ization behaviour) is used to illustrate the legitimacy of this approach. I n conclusion a research agenda is outlined.