Managing the consequences of organizational stigmatization: identity work in a social enterprise
File(s)AMJ-2013-0483.final.docx (352.03 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Tracey, P
Phillips, N
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
In this inductive study, we shift the focus of stigma research inside organizational boundaries by examining its relationship with organizational identity. To do so, we draw on the case of Keystone, a social enterprise in the East of England that became stigmatized after it initiated a program of support for a group of migrants in its community. Keystone’s stigmatization precipitated a crisis of organizational identity. We examine how the identity crisis unfolded, focusing on the forms of identity work that Keystone’s leaders enacted in response in order to reframe the meaning that organizational members attached to the stigma. Interestingly, we show not only that the internal effects of stigmatization on identity can be managed, but also that they may facilitate unexpected positive outcomes for organizations.
Date Issued
2016-06-01
Date Acceptance
2015-03-27
Citation
Academy of Management Journal, 2016, 59 (3), pp.740-765
ISSN
0001-4273
Publisher
Academy of Management
Start Page
740
End Page
765
Journal / Book Title
Academy of Management Journal
Volume
59
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© 2016, Academy of Management
Sponsor
Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC)
Grant Number
SGA/KJ/301
Subjects
Social Sciences
Business
Management
Business & Economics
IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIC CHANGE
STIGMA
IMAGE
LEGITIMACY
REPUTATION
CRISIS
MODEL
DISIDENTIFICATION
INTERPLAY
1503 Business and Management
1505 Marketing
Business & Management
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2015-03-27