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Capitalizing on Paradox: The Role of Language in Transforming Organizational Identities

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  • C. Marlene Fiol

    (University of Colorado at Denver, Graduate School of Business Administration, C.B. 165, P.O. Box 173364, Denver, Colorado 80217-3364)

Abstract

A strongly identified workforce presents a paradox during times of radical organizational change. Though it may bind people together behind the change initiative, strong organizationwide identification often blinds and potentially blocks the view of new possibilities. Prior research on identity change has tended to either ignore the paradox or resolve it by advocating some middle ground such as hybrid organizational identities or group-level identifications. This paper presents an identity transformation model that capitalizes on the paradoxical tensions over time by unpacking the processes by which individual and organizational levels of identity interact. It operationalizes the model by suggesting linguistic markers that describe the different stages of the process and rhetorical techniques that leaders can use to guide people through the process. To illustrate the model and its application, the paper highlights moments across a 10-year period at Tech-Co, a high-technology company undergoing a significant identity transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • C. Marlene Fiol, 2002. "Capitalizing on Paradox: The Role of Language in Transforming Organizational Identities," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(6), pages 653-666, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:13:y:2002:i:6:p:653-666
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.13.6.653.502
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mary Ann Glynn, 2000. "When Cymbals Become Symbols: Conflict Over Organizational Identity Within a Symphony Orchestra," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 11(3), pages 285-298, June.
    2. Sim B. Sitkin & Nancy L. Roth, 1993. "Explaining the Limited Effectiveness of Legalistic “Remedies” for Trust/Distrust," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 4(3), pages 367-392, August.
    3. Barbara Czarniawska & Rolf Wolff, 1998. "Constructing New Identities in Established Organization Fields," International Studies of Management & Organization, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(3), pages 32-56, September.
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