This article has introduced the role of the organizational catalyst as a mechanism for
bridging individual negotiations and systemic change. This innovation acknowledges
that institutional transformation requires multiple negotiations at many different levels
that, over time, can change the overall institutional culture and context for negotiation.
This dynamic process makes use of negotiation to equalize the negotiation arena.
Organizational catalysts harness networks to create new networks and systematize systems
analysis. They exercise power to distribute power. This reflexive approach has the
potential to link individual negotiation to institutional redesign. By negotiating about
the social and institutional structure, organizational catalysts are reshaping contexts and
arenas for negotiation.