How brokers enable collective identity formation in fragmented industry groups: the case of Franciacorta wineries
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Zamparini, Alessandra
Stigliani, Ileana
Corley, Kevin
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This study illuminates the role of brokers, i.e., actors spanning inter-organizational boundaries, in the process of collective identity formation in fragmented industry groups. Through an in-depth longitudinal analysis of the Franciacorta wineries from the 1960s to the 1990s, we uncover how technical consultants acting as brokers facilitated collective identity formation by interacting with wineries through three mechanisms: translation, cross-pollination, and integration. Our grounded model of collective identity formation reveals a distributed and co-creative pathway to cohesive identity understandings built from the interstices of fragmented industry groups, through the co-creation of practices, the weaving of social connections, and the facilitation of an optimally distinctive collective identity via inward adaptation and outward alignment between broader industry domains and local contexts. Our study advances theory by foregrounding the more inconspicuous practice-level and social work that precedes, and ultimately determines the success of, the more visible identity-defining moments that happen via symbolic representation or institutional codification.
Date Acceptance
2026-09-23
Citation
Journal of Management Studies
ISSN
0022-2380
Publisher
Wiley
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Management Studies
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the author’s accepted manuscript will be made available under a CC-BY License in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy).
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted