Identity Work Through Prosocial Certifications in Hybrid Organizations
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Date
2024-08-07
Authors
Cha, Hyeonjin
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
In this dissertation, I explore the role of prosocial certifications in the identity work of leaders within hybrid organizations. Existing literature has primarily emphasized the impact of these certifications on external legitimacy but has given less attention to their influence on internal dynamics. This study addresses this gap by investigating how these certifications guide internal identity alignment. Through qualitative methodologies using Certified B Corporations as an empirical setting, my research reveals that leaders initially engage in relational identity work for themselves, using prosocial certifications to deepen their understanding of their roles within the hybrid organizational context. This personal identity work is then leveraged into relational, discursive, and material identity work aimed at aligning and motivating employees. By demonstrating how these aspects of identity work are interlinked to one another and guided by certifications, this study contributes to the theoretical understanding of identity work by providing a detailed analysis of how certifications facilitate the integration of blended missions within hybrid organizations. This dissertation enriches the organizational identity literature by showcasing the multifaceted utility of prosocial certifications in enhancing internal cohesion and advancing social responsibility.
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Keywords
hybrid organizations, identity work, Organizational identity, prosocial certifications