Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrated model to understand and act on the institutionalization process into a company. Design/methodology/approach Additional to the conceptual development, survey method was applied in a single entity, through a structured questionnaire covering the management group of a multinational company. Findings High potential to explain why some non‐institutionalized cases happen and the importance to treat the strategic responses. Research limitations/implications Model was applied only in one single entity. Futures researches may treat it in a more representative sample. Practical implications The active approach required by the entity to involve and reinforce the institutionalization process. Originality/value Integration of Tolbert and Zucker's approach with Oliver's and practical perspective of usage.