The influence of religious institutional logic in frontline work

Abstract

This research analyses the influence of religion—as an institutional logic—on the work of frontline workers (FLWs) in hybrid public policy implementation contexts. We conducted semi-structured interviews and used vignettes with 37 therapeutic communities (TCs) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, which provide care for individuals with problematic drug use. Through our analysis, we discovered variations in how FLWs from faith-based and secular organisations categorise their clients and provide them with alternative services. These differences were evident in their perceptions of problematic drug use, desired outcomes for clients, and the methods they utilise to achieve these goals. In practice, faith-based TCs prioritise behavioural categories and emphasise support from family and work as treatment alternatives, whereas secular TCs employ professional language and offer alternatives based on psychological and medical support. This study enhances the understanding of religion as an institutional logic and underscores the significance of analysing institutional logics to comprehend the actions of FLWs in cases of hybridity, particularly the role of faith-based organisations in service delivery.

Points for practitioners

• The religion of organisations can have an impact on the work of frontline workers (FLWs).
• This impact becomes especially clear in the categorisation process, as it shapes FLWs’ understanding of their work and the referrals they make based on that understanding.