The Intellectual Structure of Organizational Identity and the Opportunity of Studies in Strategy

Purpose : This article aims to understand the intellectual evolution of Organizational Identity (IO) and the opportunities for future studies in strategic management. Design/methodology/approach: We use bibliometric citation and cocitation techniques to assess the intellectual structure that supports IO studies. From a sample of 587 articles available on the Web of Science database, we identified the 26 referenced articles that support current works. Originality/value: Thirty-five years have passed since the seminal article by Albert and Whetten (1985). Studies on organizational identity have grown significantly since then. In recognition of the importance of the concept and the apparent maturity of the field, it is important to revisit and understand the works that have influenced the current works on organizational identity. Findings: The results indicated that departing from the seminal work mentioned, studies were influenced on organizational identity and strategic change according to three approaches: socially constructed vision; view of the social actor; and institutionalist vision. In addition to these studies, they were also influenced by works related to practices and processes in organizational identification. Theoretical contributions: The study presnts the intellectual structure of the studies on organizational identity, providing an indication of future research.