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 vis‐à‐vis
external stakeholders, 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.
Original language | English |
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Peer-reviewed scientific journal | Journal of Management Studies |
Volume | 58 |
Issue number | 8 |
Pages (from-to) | 2052-2081 |
ISSN | 0022-2380 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 13.06.2019 |
MoE publication type | A1 Journal article - refereed |
Keywords
- 512 Business and Management
- critical discourse analysis
- discourse
- diversity
- identity
- multinational corporation
- nationalism
- national identity
- power