TY - JOUR
T1 - Identities in Translation
T2 - Management Concepts as Means and Outcomes of Identity Work
AU - van Grinsven, Marlieke
AU - Sturdy, Andrew
AU - Heusinkveld, Stefan
PY - 2020/6/1
Y1 - 2020/6/1
N2 - This article seeks to develop our understanding of how management concepts are translated by examining the role of identity work in this process. Rather than a sole focus on changes in a management concept, we examine tensions and congruences between agents’ orientations towards that concept and how they see the broader organizational engagement with it. Through an examination of qualitative data from a study of those specifically tasked with the implementation of Lean in hospital contexts, we identify their narratives of self in relation to the concept. We show how, through four different types of translation-as-identity-work – externalizing, professionalizing, rationalizing and proselytizing – both the concept and the agent are constructed simultaneously. In recognizing interconnectedness, diversity and dynamism in these actors’ involvement, we seek to integrate, contextualize and broaden existing perspectives on agency in translation research.
AB - This article seeks to develop our understanding of how management concepts are translated by examining the role of identity work in this process. Rather than a sole focus on changes in a management concept, we examine tensions and congruences between agents’ orientations towards that concept and how they see the broader organizational engagement with it. Through an examination of qualitative data from a study of those specifically tasked with the implementation of Lean in hospital contexts, we identify their narratives of self in relation to the concept. We show how, through four different types of translation-as-identity-work – externalizing, professionalizing, rationalizing and proselytizing – both the concept and the agent are constructed simultaneously. In recognizing interconnectedness, diversity and dynamism in these actors’ involvement, we seek to integrate, contextualize and broaden existing perspectives on agency in translation research.
KW - Lean
KW - agency
KW - identity work
KW - management concepts
KW - translation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85071497468&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85071497468&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0170840619866490
DO - 10.1177/0170840619866490
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85071497468
SN - 1741-3044
VL - 41
SP - 873
EP - 897
JO - Organization Studies
JF - Organization Studies
IS - 6
ER -