Sustainable Organizational Identity (SOI): a representative framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-8077.2024.e98382Keywords:
Identity, Sensemaking, Organizational Sustainability, Sustainable Organizational IdentityAbstract
Goal: To propose a framework founded on the theoretical bases of organizational identity, organizational sustainability, and sensemaking, one that presents the concept and trajectory for developing a sustainable organizational identity (SOI).
Methodology/approach: A qualitative-descriptive perspective is adopted, using Jabareen’s (2009) guide to building frameworks, which involves: Identifying and defining key concepts; specifying relationships; building diagrams; and continuously evaluating and refining.
Originality/relevance: Recognizing the need for fundamental changes in the references and meanings attached to building a sustainable organization highlights the relevance of a new identity. This identity should be capable of referencing and being referenced by new meanings and decisions more consistent with sustainability demands. However, the literature review revealed a lack of proposals on both the concept and the process of developing a sustainable organizational identity (SOI).
Main findings: Triangulating the theoretical bases used allowed for the construction of a framework that explains the trajectory to better understand the concept and relevance of SOI in building sustainable organizations.
Theoretical contributions: The study bridges a gap that is both conceptual and methodological, since the concept of SOI and the trajectory for its development are defined. Management contributions: By clarifying the role of SOI as a guiding and influencing element for new meanings in decision-making, new meanings arise which are socially shared and thus promote both the collective engagement that creates alternatives for achieving sustainability, as well as the new references that support narratives more consistent with the pursuit of organizational sustainability.
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