Roles as Mediators in Identity Work
Abstract
In this article, we aim to revitalize the concept of role for advancing theory on identity work in organizations. Our article makes three contributions. First, we offer a critical review of how roles have been conceptualized in studies on identities, and develop a theoretical frame for understanding how people in organizations engage in transitions within and between roles that emerge and evolve in relational interaction and mediate their identity work. Second, we operationalize this frame in a longitudinal study of an organizational change initiative focusing on strategic rebranding in an industrial firm. We elucidate how roles and identities co-evolve over time and how roles and role transitions figure in the organization-based identity work of individuals. Third, we consider the implications of viewing roles as mediators in identity work. We highlight identity-related trade-offs made by individuals when they become associated with particular roles and show how they become disillusioned as organizational change agents.
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Biographies
Rita Järventie-Thesleff is Professor of Practice and CEMS Academic Director at Aalto University School of Business, Finland. Her research interests currently center on practice-based approaches to management and organization studies as well as corporate branding. Recently, she has focused on media convergence and on the strategic challenges that the digital technology and the emerging participatory media culture bring about for organizations. Dr. Järventie-Thesleff has also had a long career as a business practitioner. Prior to her research career at Aalto University she worked for 25 years in international business.
Janne Tienari is Professor of Organization and Management at Aalto University School of Business, Finland. Tienari’s research and teaching interests include managing multinational corporations, mergers and acquisitions, strategy work, gender and diversity, branding and media, and changing academia. His latest passion is to understand management, new generations, and the future. His work has been published in leading journals such as Organization Studies, Human Relations, Organization, Journal of Management Studies, Organization Science, and Academy of Management Review.
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Article first published online: October 7, 2015
Issue published: February 2016
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