Normalization Process Theory

Normalization Process Theory (NPT) was developed initially for addressing Health Care industry issues.

The theory identifies that identification of a new technology or new methods of working is the beginning of the story, not the end. It addresses how innovation is to be implements, and how it is to be integrated into new systems of practice.

The proponents see NPT as an alternative to Actory-network Theory, but this would only be true for the more limited scope of NPT (innovation normalisation).

The theory proposed that innovation is operationalised through [1]:

  • coherence
  • cognitive participation
  • collective action
  • relective monitoring

Some commentators [2] have seen coherence as being sense-making.

The theory is important for service science as consideration as part of the lifecycle of a service. A new service, or a new method of delivering a service, needs to include change management. This theory could suggest the process by which that change can be successfully implemented.


Related Material

Website: NPT - Normalization Process Theory
Wikipedia: Normalization Process Theory


References
1. May, C. & Finch, T. 2009, 'Implementing, embedding, and integrating practices: An outline of Normalization Process Theory', Sociology, vol. 43, pp. 535–554..
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