Constructing a Feminist Organization’s Identity in a Competitive Marketplace: The Intersection of Ideology, Image, and Culture

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2013

Keywords

feminist organization, ideology, image, organizational culture, organizational identity

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1177/0018726713479621

Abstract

Feminist organizations today must maintain their distinctive organizational identities in a competitive marketplace in which feminism has become one choice amidst many social change causes. Alignment among organizational identity, stakeholder images, and organizational culture can give feminist organizations a competitive advantage. However, feminist theory and practice have surfaced alignment challenges that can undermine organizational success. This article extends understandings of identity, image, and culture alignment by accounting for the role of ideology. In particular, this article explores how an independent media business that publishes a feminist popular culture magazine localizes feminist ideology discursively to enable alignment and satisfy diverse stakeholders. In doing so, this article fills a gap in feminist organization research by looking at how and where ideological lines are drawn by an organization trading in the economies of popular culture, image, and branding. Lessons for organizations faced with similar identity challenges are offered.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

No

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Human Relations, v. 66, issue 11, p. 1447-1470

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