Actor positioning logics and the participatory mapping of Poland's decarbonization field

This study introduces the concept of actor positioning logics as a mean to understand how actors perceive fields they operate in, with the example of Poland’s decarbonization issue field. Drawing on institutional theory and critical cartography this research uses a participatory mapping technique in which participants, insiders of the field, placed actors on a map concerning the relation to the issue and power dimensions. The analysis extracts four actor positioning logics: one regarding the relation to the issue and three related to power with its resource, mobilization, and relational influence. This study contributes to institutional theory by conceptualizing the actors’ perception of their fields, as well as by designing a methodological tool for understanding how field relations are collectively negotiated and understood. Empirically, it explains the slow pace of decarbonization in Poland highlighting the strong position of status quo actors and the lack of ambition among progressive-leaning mainstream actors.