In the New institutionalism theories of organizational sociology, the fundamental hypothesis and analytical approaches of strategic management theories are greatly modified. Based on the connection between the new institutionalism and strategic management theories, this paper explores the application of new institutionalism theories to strategic management research, including organizational legitimacy, organizational field and systemization. Then based on this, the institutional perspective of strategic management is discussed and managerial cognition in the light of institutionalism is introduced. Finally the article explores the application of new institutionalism theories to management researches in China’s context.