Understanding the Spirit of the Sectors: Exploring Identity in a New Era of Organizing

Author ORCID Identifier

Julie Langer: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1864-0351

Publication Title

Administration and Society

ISSN

00953997

E-ISSN

15523039

Document Type

Article

Abstract

While sector distinction debates often re-emerge during periods of cultural and institutional upheaval, none have considered an identity-orientation perspective. Identity orientation is a natural domain in which to address these debates as it considers the individualistic, relational, and collectivistic foundations of organizations. This study explores whether organizational members across sectors view their organization’s identity orientation differently. Findings suggest that member perceptions of identity orientation are significantly different across sectors and align with traditional sector values and motivations. However, no one sector can be defined solely as individualistic, relational, or collectivistic. These findings are discussed and future research paths laid out.

First Page

792

Last Page

827

Publication Date

5-1-2022

DOI

10.1177/00953997211041131

Keywords

public private distinction, sector comparisons, sector identity

Department

Department of Public Administration

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