This study examines the effects of hybrid product and organizational identities on member identif... more This study examines the effects of hybrid product and organizational identities on member identification. Borrowing from the identity congruence model of Foreman and Whetten (2002), the effects of dual identities are operationalized in the form of a perceived-ideal congruence of normative and utilitarian organizational identity elements. In addition, certain key products are argued to symbolize and embody self-defining attributes of the organization, thereby acting as extensions of the organization's identity. Thus the normative and utilitarian product identities are hypothesized to affect organizational identification, both as covariates of organizational identity congruence as well as through a product-organizational identity comparison mechanism. These relationships are examined in the context of a sales force of a multinational pharmaceutical company, selling three key products, in various stages of development. Analysis of survey data confirms the majority of the hypothesized effects. These results a...
Page 1. 171 ASAC 2008 Peter O. Foreman Halifax, Nova Scotia Dept. of Management & Quantit... more Page 1. 171 ASAC 2008 Peter O. Foreman Halifax, Nova Scotia Dept. of Management & Quantitative Methods Illinois State University Milena M. Parent School of Human Kinetics University of Ottawa REPUTATION BEFORE IDENTITY? ...
We argue for a new microfoundational approach to organizational identity to replace common vertic... more We argue for a new microfoundational approach to organizational identity to replace common vertical theory-borrowing from individual identity theory. Organizational identity becomes either an individualistic account of member representations of the group identity held together by other-regarding cognitive structures or a group-level account where jointly understood identity is tied to joint goals and agency as weintentionality. Organizational identity is linked to collective action through intentionality. For large organizations, jointly held identity is crucial to guide individual action on
Although the concept of organizational identity has gained wide currency in the organizational st... more Although the concept of organizational identity has gained wide currency in the organizational studies literature, and in recent years many conceptual issues and concerns have been addressed and re...
Page 1. '@ Academy of Management Review 2000, Vol. 25, No. 1, 14... more Page 1. '@ Academy of Management Review 2000, Vol. 25, No. 1, 141-152. CONCLUSION IDENTITY DIALOGUES The Beauty of and Barriers to Organizational Theories of Identity Michael G. Pratt and Peter 0. Foreman Reading ...
We argue for a new microfoundational approach to organizational identity to replace common vertic... more We argue for a new microfoundational approach to organizational identity to replace common vertical theory-borrowing from individual identity theory. Organizational identity becomes either an individualistic account of member representations of the group identity held together by other-regarding cognitive structures or a group-level account where jointly understood identity is tied to joint goals and agency as weintentionality. Organizational identity is linked to collective action through intentionality. For large organizations, jointly held identity is crucial to guide individual action on
The purpose of this multiple identities panel symposium is threefold. First, by bringing establis... more The purpose of this multiple identities panel symposium is threefold. First, by bringing established identity scholars together with different research backgrounds and theoretical perspectives – such as the level of multiple identities studied and the methodological approaches utilized – we hope to both illustrate the diversity and nuances of multiple identity research. Our second purpose is to serve as a practical guide for scholars interested in pursuing multiple identity research with a discussion of both empirical and conceptual challenges with conducting multiple identity research, including selecting the appropriate empirical approach (the pros and cons of qualitative vs. quantitative research), measurement and operationalization challenges, and the selection of what identity variables to account for. Our third and final aim is to take a look forward into the future, with a discussion of multiple identity research trends and the opportunities for future research.
This paper posits an integrated view of intra-industry competition, in which one can define the c... more This paper posits an integrated view of intra-industry competition, in which one can define the competitive strategy of any individual firm in terms of a combination of competitive positioning in the product/market space and profiles of key resources. We examine this by analyzing the patterns of firms' commitments with respect to these two dimensions of competitive strategy, in the form of product/marketbased and resource-based configurations-i.e. strategic groups-within an industry. The two types of strategic groups are found to be nearly orthogonal, supporting our contention and suggesting that intraindustry competition can be depicted as an integration of these two key firm strategy decisions.
Although the concept of organizational identity has gained currency in the organizational studies... more Although the concept of organizational identity has gained currency in the organizational studies literature, and many conceptual issues have been addressed, there is an overall lack of attention to methodological concerns. Specifically, the field lacks a comprehensive and systematic review of how organizational identity is operationalized and measured. Given the disparate uses of the concept and the range of theories employing it, the means of measurement span the gamut of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In this chapter, we review over 80 studies where organizational identity was operationalized and/or measured. We develop a descriptive classification framework of measurement approaches, noting the distinctive elements of the five major types that result. We then identify key patterns that emerge from the data, leading to insights and observations about the landscape of organizational identity research. We conclude with a discussion of critical implications and directions for future research.
In this study of a mid-size healthcare system, we address two important issues in the conceptual ... more In this study of a mid-size healthcare system, we address two important issues in the conceptual development of organizational identification (OID): (1) understanding the cognitive mechanisms under...
New Horizons in Managerial and Organizational Cognition, 2022
Although the organizational identity (OI) construct (Albert & Whetten, 1985) is now in its fourth... more Although the organizational identity (OI) construct (Albert & Whetten, 1985) is now in its fourth decade, research in the field has been somewhat uneven, particularly with respect to an essentialist view and hypothetico-
deductive type of studies. Believing that this stems in large part from insufficient
construct clarity (Suddaby, 2010), this theory-development initiative presents an expanded conceptual framework. The authors exploit several key elements of individual identity and make the case for using these as the basis for conceptualizing an organizational-level equivalent. Starting with the premise that an individual’s identity is the product of comparisons, two dimensions are identified: the type of comparison (similarity, difference), referred to as the “identity conundrum,” and the object of comparison (self–other, self–self), referred to as the “identity perspective.” The authors then propose a four-cell distinctive conceptual domain for OI and explore its implications for scholarship.
Keywords: Organizational identity; individual identity; construct clarity; identity construct; identity conundrum; CREAD framework
In this study we examine the phenomenon of identity in an organizational collective-i.e. an assoc... more In this study we examine the phenomenon of identity in an organizational collective-i.e. an association of organizations. We see an organizational collective as a social actor, just like an individual or organization, and as such has the same kind of identity properties and implications. More specifically, we examine these issues in the context of wine trails-an organizational form that is a voluntary association of member organizations (wineries) that come together to pursue collective action-particularly joint marketing types of activities. The voluntary nature of these collectives, combined with the inherent competition among members of the collective, accentuates the role of identity as the cognitive and social "glue" that holds the collective together and facilitates effective action. We examine the effects of identity-related concepts, such as legitimacy and identification, on members' commitment to the collective.
This study examines the effects of hybrid product and organizational identities on member identif... more This study examines the effects of hybrid product and organizational identities on member identification. Borrowing from the identity congruence model of Foreman and Whetten (2002), the effects of dual identities are operationalized in the form of a perceived-ideal congruence of normative and utilitarian organizational identity elements. In addition, certain key products are argued to symbolize and embody self-defining attributes of the organization, thereby acting as extensions of the organization's identity. Thus the normative and utilitarian product identities are hypothesized to affect organizational identification, both as covariates of organizational identity congruence as well as through a product-organizational identity comparison mechanism. These relationships are examined in the context of a sales force of a multinational pharmaceutical company, selling three key products, in various stages of development. Analysis of survey data confirms the majority of the hypothesized effects. These results a...
Page 1. 171 ASAC 2008 Peter O. Foreman Halifax, Nova Scotia Dept. of Management & Quantit... more Page 1. 171 ASAC 2008 Peter O. Foreman Halifax, Nova Scotia Dept. of Management & Quantitative Methods Illinois State University Milena M. Parent School of Human Kinetics University of Ottawa REPUTATION BEFORE IDENTITY? ...
We argue for a new microfoundational approach to organizational identity to replace common vertic... more We argue for a new microfoundational approach to organizational identity to replace common vertical theory-borrowing from individual identity theory. Organizational identity becomes either an individualistic account of member representations of the group identity held together by other-regarding cognitive structures or a group-level account where jointly understood identity is tied to joint goals and agency as weintentionality. Organizational identity is linked to collective action through intentionality. For large organizations, jointly held identity is crucial to guide individual action on
Although the concept of organizational identity has gained wide currency in the organizational st... more Although the concept of organizational identity has gained wide currency in the organizational studies literature, and in recent years many conceptual issues and concerns have been addressed and re...
Page 1. '@ Academy of Management Review 2000, Vol. 25, No. 1, 14... more Page 1. '@ Academy of Management Review 2000, Vol. 25, No. 1, 141-152. CONCLUSION IDENTITY DIALOGUES The Beauty of and Barriers to Organizational Theories of Identity Michael G. Pratt and Peter 0. Foreman Reading ...
We argue for a new microfoundational approach to organizational identity to replace common vertic... more We argue for a new microfoundational approach to organizational identity to replace common vertical theory-borrowing from individual identity theory. Organizational identity becomes either an individualistic account of member representations of the group identity held together by other-regarding cognitive structures or a group-level account where jointly understood identity is tied to joint goals and agency as weintentionality. Organizational identity is linked to collective action through intentionality. For large organizations, jointly held identity is crucial to guide individual action on
The purpose of this multiple identities panel symposium is threefold. First, by bringing establis... more The purpose of this multiple identities panel symposium is threefold. First, by bringing established identity scholars together with different research backgrounds and theoretical perspectives – such as the level of multiple identities studied and the methodological approaches utilized – we hope to both illustrate the diversity and nuances of multiple identity research. Our second purpose is to serve as a practical guide for scholars interested in pursuing multiple identity research with a discussion of both empirical and conceptual challenges with conducting multiple identity research, including selecting the appropriate empirical approach (the pros and cons of qualitative vs. quantitative research), measurement and operationalization challenges, and the selection of what identity variables to account for. Our third and final aim is to take a look forward into the future, with a discussion of multiple identity research trends and the opportunities for future research.
This paper posits an integrated view of intra-industry competition, in which one can define the c... more This paper posits an integrated view of intra-industry competition, in which one can define the competitive strategy of any individual firm in terms of a combination of competitive positioning in the product/market space and profiles of key resources. We examine this by analyzing the patterns of firms' commitments with respect to these two dimensions of competitive strategy, in the form of product/marketbased and resource-based configurations-i.e. strategic groups-within an industry. The two types of strategic groups are found to be nearly orthogonal, supporting our contention and suggesting that intraindustry competition can be depicted as an integration of these two key firm strategy decisions.
Although the concept of organizational identity has gained currency in the organizational studies... more Although the concept of organizational identity has gained currency in the organizational studies literature, and many conceptual issues have been addressed, there is an overall lack of attention to methodological concerns. Specifically, the field lacks a comprehensive and systematic review of how organizational identity is operationalized and measured. Given the disparate uses of the concept and the range of theories employing it, the means of measurement span the gamut of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In this chapter, we review over 80 studies where organizational identity was operationalized and/or measured. We develop a descriptive classification framework of measurement approaches, noting the distinctive elements of the five major types that result. We then identify key patterns that emerge from the data, leading to insights and observations about the landscape of organizational identity research. We conclude with a discussion of critical implications and directions for future research.
In this study of a mid-size healthcare system, we address two important issues in the conceptual ... more In this study of a mid-size healthcare system, we address two important issues in the conceptual development of organizational identification (OID): (1) understanding the cognitive mechanisms under...
New Horizons in Managerial and Organizational Cognition, 2022
Although the organizational identity (OI) construct (Albert & Whetten, 1985) is now in its fourth... more Although the organizational identity (OI) construct (Albert & Whetten, 1985) is now in its fourth decade, research in the field has been somewhat uneven, particularly with respect to an essentialist view and hypothetico-
deductive type of studies. Believing that this stems in large part from insufficient
construct clarity (Suddaby, 2010), this theory-development initiative presents an expanded conceptual framework. The authors exploit several key elements of individual identity and make the case for using these as the basis for conceptualizing an organizational-level equivalent. Starting with the premise that an individual’s identity is the product of comparisons, two dimensions are identified: the type of comparison (similarity, difference), referred to as the “identity conundrum,” and the object of comparison (self–other, self–self), referred to as the “identity perspective.” The authors then propose a four-cell distinctive conceptual domain for OI and explore its implications for scholarship.
Keywords: Organizational identity; individual identity; construct clarity; identity construct; identity conundrum; CREAD framework
In this study we examine the phenomenon of identity in an organizational collective-i.e. an assoc... more In this study we examine the phenomenon of identity in an organizational collective-i.e. an association of organizations. We see an organizational collective as a social actor, just like an individual or organization, and as such has the same kind of identity properties and implications. More specifically, we examine these issues in the context of wine trails-an organizational form that is a voluntary association of member organizations (wineries) that come together to pursue collective action-particularly joint marketing types of activities. The voluntary nature of these collectives, combined with the inherent competition among members of the collective, accentuates the role of identity as the cognitive and social "glue" that holds the collective together and facilitates effective action. We examine the effects of identity-related concepts, such as legitimacy and identification, on members' commitment to the collective.
We argue for a new microfoundational approach to organizational identity to replace common vertic... more We argue for a new microfoundational approach to organizational identity to replace common vertical theory-borrowing from individual identity theory. Organizational identity becomes either an individualistic account of member representations of the group identity held together by other-regarding cognitive structures or a group-level account where jointly understood identity is tied to joint goals and agency as weintentionality. Organizational identity is linked to collective action through intentionality. For large organizations, jointly held identity is crucial to guide individual action on
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Papers by Peter Foreman
KEY WORDS: organizational identity, comprehensive review, methodologies, operationalization, measurement, classification framework
deductive type of studies. Believing that this stems in large part from insufficient
construct clarity (Suddaby, 2010), this theory-development initiative presents an expanded conceptual framework. The authors exploit several key elements of individual identity and make the case for using these as the basis for conceptualizing an organizational-level equivalent. Starting with the premise that an individual’s identity is the product of comparisons, two dimensions are identified: the type of comparison (similarity, difference), referred to as the “identity conundrum,” and the object of comparison (self–other, self–self), referred to as the “identity perspective.” The authors then propose a four-cell distinctive conceptual domain for OI and explore its implications for scholarship.
Keywords: Organizational identity; individual identity; construct clarity; identity construct; identity conundrum; CREAD framework
KEY WORDS: organizational identity, comprehensive review, methodologies, operationalization, measurement, classification framework
deductive type of studies. Believing that this stems in large part from insufficient
construct clarity (Suddaby, 2010), this theory-development initiative presents an expanded conceptual framework. The authors exploit several key elements of individual identity and make the case for using these as the basis for conceptualizing an organizational-level equivalent. Starting with the premise that an individual’s identity is the product of comparisons, two dimensions are identified: the type of comparison (similarity, difference), referred to as the “identity conundrum,” and the object of comparison (self–other, self–self), referred to as the “identity perspective.” The authors then propose a four-cell distinctive conceptual domain for OI and explore its implications for scholarship.
Keywords: Organizational identity; individual identity; construct clarity; identity construct; identity conundrum; CREAD framework