The emergence of unintended fit and the theory of gradual institutional change: a case study of Polish employment regulations and post-crisis public policies

Objectives: This paper aims to theorise that unintended fit may emerge not only when institutions are creatively adapted by actors within the boundaries of formal rules, but also when formal rules are violated or circumvented. Research design & methods: To that end, this paper links unintended fit more closely with the theory of gradual institutional change coming from historical institutionalism. Theoretical developments are illustrated by a case study on Polish employment regulations and post-crisis public policies. Findings: This paper finds that unintended fit may emerge in two situations: when rules are creatively adapted by actors who use them (“conversion-type” unintended fit) or when they are both adapted and circumvented or violated (“driftconversion-type” unintended fit). The requirements for the formation of both types of unintended fit are discussed. Implications/ Recommendations: This paper suggests that violations and circumventions should be treated as methods of engaging institutions and that the concept of ambiguity in historical institutionalism should be revised in respect to drift. Contribution / Value Added: This approach opens new possibilities for analysing the formation of institutional complementarities.