From Cultural Differences To Identity Politics: A Critical Discursive Approach To National Identity in Multinational Corporations

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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
Date
2021-12
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Language
en
Pages
Series
Journal of Management Studies
Abstract
There is a paucity of knowledge of one key aspect of diversity in and around international organizations: national identity. This is especially the case with research on multinational corporations (MNC) that has focused on cultural differences instead of processes of national identification or national identity construction. Drawing on a critical discursive approach, this paper offers four perspectives that can help to advance this area of research. First, MNCs can be viewed as sites of identity politics, within which one can study ‘us vs. them’ constructions and the reproduction of inequalities. Second, MNCs can be seen as actors engaged in identity building and legitimation, and the analysis of the discursive dynamics involved illuminates important aspects of identity politics between the organization and its environment. Third, MNCs can be viewed as part of international relations between nations and nationalities, and analysis of discursive dynamics in the media can elucidate key aspects of the international struggles encountered. Fourth, MNCs can be seen as agents of broader issues and changes, which enables us to comprehend how MNCs advance neocolonialism or promote positive change in society.
Description
Keywords
critical discourse analysis, discourse, diversity, identity, multinational corporation, nationalism, national identity, power
Other note
Citation
Vaara, E, Tienari, J & Koveshnikov, A 2021, ' From Cultural Differences To Identity Politics: A Critical Discursive Approach To National Identity in Multinational Corporations ', Journal of Management Studies, vol. 58, no. 8, pp. 2052-2081 . https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12517