Constructing Action-Oriented Organizations: Examining the Relationship Between Individual and Organizational Identity
CONSTRUCTING ACTION-ORIENTED ORGANIZATIONS: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL IDENTITY
Introduction
Thesis: Virginia Sanchez, Purdue University, January 2015.
Study conducted to analyze relationship between organizational founders and members in shaping identity within nascent organizations.
Background
Cultivadores (pseudonym): Focuses on psychosocial processes in rural San Martin, Mexico.
Viewfinder (pseudonym): Aims to increase employment opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum.
Objectives
To explore how critical moments in the organizations' history influence member identities.
To analyze the sensemaking processes of organizational members reflecting upon these experiences.
Acknowledgements
Personal dedication to family, particularly to supporters who influenced and guided the research project.
Recognition of contributors from academic institutions and peer support.
Table of Contents
List of Tables
Abstract
Chapters: Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Findings, Discussion, Conclusion.
List of References
Appendices (Interview Guides, Worksheets).
Abstract
The study emphasizes the importance of organizational identity, contrasting traditional narratives focusing on individual entrepreneurs.
Methodology included qualitative assessments through interviews and artifact analyses of Cultivadores and Viewfinder.
Findings indicate the recursive relationship between individual and organizational identities, particularly in contexts of sensemaking and the impact of socio-political environments.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Case Study Contexts
Cultivadores: Experienced a crisis due to governmental corruption concerning project funding, leading to diminished trust and health consequences for the founder, Uriel.
Viewfinder: Encountered obstacles after acquiring a physical location; misunderstandings about client-work shifted the organizational identity.
Social Entrepreneurship Defined
Unlike traditional organizations, social enterprises prioritize social over financial value (Auerswald, 2009; Mair & Marti, 2006).
The study investigates the dynamic relationship between organizational and individual identities within these frameworks.
Literature Gap
Previous studies often depict individual social entrepreneurs, lacking emphasis on collective organizational formation and individual experiences within these early stages.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Social Entrepreneurship
Defined as a process involving innovative solutions to social problems (Bornstein & Davis, 2010; Ashoka, 2012).
Emphasizes collective efforts over individual charisma.
Identity Concepts
Social Identity: Perception influenced by societal rankings (Neuliep, 2011).
Organizational Identity: Balances internal intentions with external perceptions (Hoffman & Ford, 2009).
Explores connections between individual and organizational identities, considering contextual, environmental, and social constructs.
Theoretical Framework
Grounded in sensemaking theory (Weick, 1995); emphasizes retrospective processes in organizational identity development.
Examines how narratives shape perceptions and organizational goals (Boje, 1991).
Chapter 3: Methodology
Research Design
Qualitative approach using case studies; interviews and publicly available artifacts were primary data sources.
Exploration of two organizations in their nascent stages, focusing on shared collective experiences.
Participant Recruitment
Engaged founding members and active participants from both organizations via interviews.
Focused on individuals who identify as organizational leaders or contributors.
Data Collection
Semi-structured interview guides tailored to each organization’s specific mission and context.
Artifacts used included organizational websites, social media, and testimonials reflecting historical narratives.
Chapter 4: Findings
Cultivadores
Three thematic narrative strands emerged: increasing uncertainty, breaking tradition, and family reactions to societal expectations.
Uriel’s past influences from the Zapatista movement shaped the organizational ethos.
Viewfinder
The narrative focused on experiences of injustice, showcasing three sub-themes: growing up, transitioning to adulthood, and scarcity of resources for adults with autism.
Identity transformations illustrated the impact of community involvement and early engagement.
Comparative Analysis
Differences in organizational cohesion emerged between groups; Viewfinder members shared more coherent narratives reflecting close collaboration, whereas Cultivadores’ members exhibited fragmented storytelling indicative of flexible engagement.
Chapter 5: Discussion
Key Findings
The connection between organizational and individual identities highlighted how disruptions can dictate strategic shifts. Both cases had members reflecting critically on decisions made following crises.
Importance of sensemaking as organizational identity evolves, revealing influences on personal future-oriented decisions.
Practical Implications
Emphasizes the need for social entrepreneurial organizations to integrate member participation in significant decision-making to nurture identity development.
Reflection on maintaining organizational identities amidst external pressures and societal changes.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Reflection on Study
The commitment to addressing social issues through collective narratives points to the necessity of understanding the interwoven identities of members.
Future research should consider the impact of cultural identities on organizational experiences and sensemaking processes to yield richer insights into social entrepreneurship.
List of References
A comprehensive list of scholarly citations relevant to social entrepreneurship, identity theory, and narrative methods.