Event-Oriented Organizational Behavior Research: A Multilevel Review and Agenda for Future Research

Abstract

A large and growing body of organizational behavior (OB) research has adopted what can be termed an “event-oriented” perspective. Broadly speaking, this stream of research focuses on discrete, change-oriented events that occur at different hierarchical levels as well as the impact of such events on employee outcomes. This event-oriented OB research stands in contrast to the traditional focus on the enduring features of people and collectives. Although event-oriented OB research has become increasingly prominent and influential, a systematic and integrative review of this important domain has yet to be conducted. Event-oriented OB research has utilized a wide range of theoretical and methodological perspectives, leading to a fragmented and disconnected literature. A synthesis of extant event-oriented OB studies is needed to obtain a more integrated and holistic view of this domain. In the present review, we propose a four-level framework to enhance our understanding of the types of events studied and synthesize insights from event-oriented OB studies. With this understanding and synthesis, we highlight promising theoretical and methodological opportunities for future research. In sum, our review facilitates a more systematic and refined understanding of events and can assist future event-oriented OB research by highlighting novel avenues for theoretical extensions and methodological improvements.