Exploring the impacts and processes of identity change

McInnes, P., Beech, N. and MacIntosh, R. (2008) Exploring the impacts and processes of identity change. International Journal of Public Administration, 31(9), pp. 953-956. (doi: 10.1080/01900690801973048)

Abstract

Public sector organizations are being subjected to unprecedented change and scrutiny. Structures, processes, roles, remits and performance levels are being reviewed in settings where greater transparency is required and greater accountability is being demanded. A range of changes, including shifts in organisational structures, changing relationships with service users and politics at local and international levels are all impacting simultaneously on life within the organisations and on the service that is provided. In attempting to understand the dynamics of these changes, one key area of research concerns the role of identity at both an individual and collective level. Within public sector organisations, identities can be constructed, and realised, through a variety of modes – the individual, the group, the profession, the interest group and the hierarchical group amongst others. The manner in which these identities are formed, and the way that different identities interact, can have a dramatic impact on the organisation, employees and service-users. This is particularly significant where there is a need to work across organisational boundaries and through new organisational processes. These circumstances introduce a range of identity-related issues concerning the individual or group’s place in the organisation and their relation to others. Such issues include: how leadership might be conducted, how communities might be engaged, what the impact of macro discourses might be, and how workers at the operational level can maintain an ethical sense of agency.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: MacIntosh, Professor Robert
• Authors: McInnes, P., Beech, N., and MacIntosh, R.
• Subjects: J Political Science > JA Political science (General); H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: International Journal of Public Administration
• Journal Abbr.: IJPA
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0190-0692
• ISSN (Online): 1532-4265
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 Taylor & Francis
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Public Administration 31(9):953-956
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.