Within the field of strategy, the thesis deals with the role of social movements inthe process of deinstitutionalization through the concept of repertoire of tactics. This research studies how social movement actions lead to the delegitimization of a taken for granted practice. We focus on the dialectic between defensive and disruptive institutional work. Our method is based on a processual case study. Drawing from the asbestos industry in France from 1970’ to 1990’, we study dialectical struggles between social movement and institution. Our study emphasizes the evolution of repertoire of tactics. Persuasive tactics lead to an institutional change and yet the practice is maintained due to the creation of a boundary organization. Only destructives tactics, directed against more opened institutional pillars, can lead to the ban of the practice. We emphasize the role of the regulative dimension in this strategy
