An Action Theory of the Project

The theory of the temporary organization is paradigmatic in project organizing research but has had relatively little influence in organization research more generally. We argue that this theory needs to be developed to address why projects exist in addition to what they are. We make this argument by drawing on Cyert and March’s behavioral theory of the firm in shaping organization theory and pose an action theory of the project as its dynamic complement. This theoretical advance draws on Schütz’ distinction between action and behavior to bridge the theory of the temporary organization and the behavioral theory of the firm.