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Explaining Variation in Organizational Identity Categorization

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  • Greta Hsu

    (Graduate School of Management, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616)

  • Kimberly D. Elsbach

    (Graduate School of Management, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616)

Abstract

In explaining why constituent groups often vary in their perceptions of the most salient aspects of an organization’s identity, existing research has drawn, almost exclusively, on social identity research and self-enhancement motives. This research suggests that when different organizational identity categorizations are enhancing to some groups but not others, variation in organizational identity perceptions arises. In this paper, by contrast, we explore the role that unmotivated or “spontaneous” cognitions may play in influencing variation in constituents’ organizational identity categorizations. Based on data from a study of U.S. business school constituents, we develop a dual-path model through which both motivated and spontaneous processes influence the different organizational identity categorizations constituent groups find to be most salient. We discuss both the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Greta Hsu & Kimberly D. Elsbach, 2013. "Explaining Variation in Organizational Identity Categorization," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 24(4), pages 996-1013, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:24:y:2013:i:4:p:996-1013
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1120.0779
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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.
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    Cited by:

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    4. Piazza, Alessandro & Perretti, Fabrizio, 2015. "Categorical Stigma and Firm Disengagement: Nuclear Power Generation in the United States, 1970-2000," OSF Preprints xqkdj, Center for Open Science.
    5. Alessandro Piazza & Fabrizio Perretti, 2015. "Categorical Stigma and Firm Disengagement: Nuclear Power Generation in the United States, 1970–2000," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 26(3), pages 724-742, June.
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