He graduated at the University of Amsterdam, after which he earned his PhD from Maastricht University with a thesis on cultural control in the early factory system. His current research focuses on informal processes such as discourse, creativity, impression management and civilization in relation to wider institutional processes. He has published in peer-reviewed journals such as Human Relations, Group and Organization Management, Organization Studies, International Studies of Management and Organization and Organization, as well as books, such as The Civilised Organization. He is also a novelist and columnist.