Title: Together we are one – or are we? The role of organisational identity in the early stages of a strategic alliance

Authors: Timothy J. Tobin, Andrea J. Casey

Addresses: Marriott International, 10400 Fernwood Road, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA. ' The George Washington University, 2134 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA

Abstract: This study describes organisational identity processes during the first year of a strategic organisational alliance between three US-based organisations. Hatch and Schultz|s (2002) model of organisational identity was used as an analytical framework to understand the alliance identity process, and Giddens| (1979) structuration theory was used to further interpret the data. First- and second-order levers were identified that contributed to the emergence of a distinct identity. These levers act as coordinating and integrating mechanisms, and in some cases, inhibitors of identity formation within the alliance organisation. A model of organisational identity processes that builds upon Hatch and Schultz|s (2002) model of organisational identity is introduced, and implications for the success of strategic alliances are discussed.

Keywords: organisational identity; identity process; strategic alliances; structuration theory; alliance identity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSBA.2010.036094

International Journal of Strategic Business Alliances, 2010 Vol.1 No.4, pp.364 - 391

Published online: 19 Oct 2010 *

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