Extending and Advancing Theories of Organizational Identity

Abstract

Changes to the study of organizational identity over the past three decades show a clear pattern of maturation. The papers in this special issue reflect this maturation and help illustrate how the field has moved from discussing traditional issues such as ‘what is identity?’ to more contemporary issues such as how identity, through its paradoxical character, is a useful concept for addressing managerial choices and dilemmas. Taken together, these papers demonstrate how further integration of existing theories can help develop the field and give scholars and practitioners food for thought about where we are and where we are going in advancing knowledge and insight on the identity of organizations.