Rhetorical History as Institutional Work

Abstract Rhetorical history has emerged as a useful theoretical construct that bridges the long recognized gap between historical and organizational scholarship. Despite its growing popularity, precise nature of rhetorical construct, scope conditions, utility in resolving critical issues analysis remains unclear. This paper addresses these issues. We define contextualize by elaborating relationship to associated concepts like collective memory, rhetoric, narrative. ground reviewing literature applied both theory empirical research. Our inductive review identifies four recurring themes which is used perceptions of; (a) continuity discontinuity, (b) similarity difference, (c) winners losers, (d) morality immorality. conclude with discussion how an essential mechanism institutional work.