This article explores the influence of institutional landscapes on vocational education and training (VET) organisations, leveraging the insights provided by neo-institutional theory on the relationships between internal and external sources for legitimacy and adaptation. The article explains key theoretical concepts from neo-institutional theory such as institutional myths, isomorphism, decoupling, agency, and the definitions of rational and irrational actors, demonstrating their relevance and applicability in contemporary VET research. The author argues that neo-institutional theory offers a framework to investigate the organisational and institutional dynamics shaping VET and opens for analysis, moving beyond current assumptions of formal structure and rationality. By showcasing diverse studies employing neo-institutional concepts, the article highlights the theory’s utility at the individual, organisational, and policy levels. The discussion underscores the importance of grounding VET research in theoretical exploration rather than normative or prescriptive definitions of an ideal state, encouraging a nuanced understanding of VET organisations’ interactions with their environments. The framework supports researchers in extending their analytical scope beyond immediate institutional contexts. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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