The Quest for the Corporate Reputation Definition: Lessons from the Interconnection Model of Identity, Image, and Reputation

Abstract

This paper discusses the ongoing quest to define corporate reputation in the literature. It shows that while some attempts to define this concept have been quite fruitful, they have failed to present a basis for further studies in this area. The paper argues that an additional investigation into the relationships between the three main concepts of identity, image, and reputation might help scholars evaluate and elaborate on the existing definitions. In doing so, it builds on a model introduced in the corporate reputation literature by Whetten (Corporate Reputation Review 1:26–34, 1997) to deal with these relationships.