Do Members’ Organizational Identity Understanding Trump Leaders’ Claims About “Who We Are?”

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the co-evolution of OI claims and OI understanding in constructing organizational identity. The study operates on the premise that as a socially constructed phenomenon, organizational members are able to formulate notions about “who we are” through OI understanding. The case is set at DeVine Integrated Food Services Limited, an integrated food manufacturing organization. Research method in the study is grounded theory inductive analysis triangulated through document analysis, grounded theory interviews and ethnographic observation. Findings show that founders’ OI claims are in several relationships with organizational members’ understanding of “who we are.” Expanding current conceptions in the literature, three types of relationships are uncovered: (1) when OI claims and OI understanding match; (2) when OI claims and OI understanding do not match creating room for what I call an OI gap; and (3) when OI understanding does not emanate from OI claims (as presumed in the literature). The study also provides support for social constructionist arguments that organizational identity is co- constructed through social interactions of stakeholders. It contributes a perspective that suggests that OI understanding occupies a central, privileged position as it directly links organizational identity, moderates the relationship between OI claims and OI, and also, may be able to form identity without the input of OI claims as rudder. Practical recommendations are also offered for managers.