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The Construction of Organizational Identity: Key Contributing External and Intra-Organizational Factors

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Abstract

This paper proposes a preliminary framework outlining external and intra-organizational factors that contribute to the construction of organizational identity. Organizational identity is a critical organizational perception that guides organizational members' interpretation of the issues facing the organization. Although much is written about organizational identity and its effects on organizations and organizational members, little is known about how organizational identity is formed. Previous literature suggests that organizational identity, while being durable, is also dynamic and flexible, which indicates the opportunity for organizations to construct a strong organizational identity, which will likely lead to competitive advantage.

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Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Professor Ellen Auster for her guidance and helpful comments on an earlier version of this paper. The author also thanks the anonymous reviewer for valuable and insightful suggestions.

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  1. Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Rumina Dhalla

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Dhalla, R. The Construction of Organizational Identity: Key Contributing External and Intra-Organizational Factors. Corp Reputation Rev 10, 245–260 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.crr.1550058

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