
23
Chapter 3
Using Theoretical
Frameworks as
Interpretive Lenses
Introduction
As elegantly stated by Bolman and Deal in reference to their organizational theory
framework: “Frames are both windows on the world and lenses that bring the world
into focus” (1997, 12). eoretical frameworks shape our attention and help us iden-
tify important details. is book is based on a desire to explore important elements
of administrative theory and practice in a way that reveals hidden assumptions about
legitimacy. Such a framework needs to be quite comprehensive. While the detailed
approach to inquiry used in developing the framework presented in this ...