Abstract
Greater participation in strategy requires actors distant from strategy-making to transit
into a new role of strategists. However, as precarious profession, strategy does not offer a predefined and readily recognizable role as it is the case with judges or surgeons. In this paper, we
therefore frame participation in open strategy as a role transition triggering identity work to
becoming a strategist. We trace the identity journeys of two non-strategists reflected in their
narratives that constitute their contributions to an online strategy community instigated within
a large telecommunication corporation. Our analysis involves a detailed account of their
participation, reflected in hundreds of posts and comments. We identify three narratives nonstrategists apply in their identity work: self-legitimation, self-assurance and idealization. By
doing that we sheds new light on the challenges involved in transitioning into strategy roles and
contribute to the strategy practice and open strategy literature.
into a new role of strategists. However, as precarious profession, strategy does not offer a predefined and readily recognizable role as it is the case with judges or surgeons. In this paper, we
therefore frame participation in open strategy as a role transition triggering identity work to
becoming a strategist. We trace the identity journeys of two non-strategists reflected in their
narratives that constitute their contributions to an online strategy community instigated within
a large telecommunication corporation. Our analysis involves a detailed account of their
participation, reflected in hundreds of posts and comments. We identify three narratives nonstrategists apply in their identity work: self-legitimation, self-assurance and idealization. By
doing that we sheds new light on the challenges involved in transitioning into strategy roles and
contribute to the strategy practice and open strategy literature.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 8 Jul 2021 |
| Event | 37th EGOS Colloquium : Organizing for an Inclusive Society: Meanings, Motivations, and Mechanisms - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands Duration: 8 Jul 2021 → 10 Jul 2021 https://www.egosnet.org/2021/Amsterdam/General-Theme |
Conference
| Conference | 37th EGOS Colloquium |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | EGOS 2021 |
| Country/Territory | Netherlands |
| City | Amsterdam |
| Period | 8/07/21 → 10/07/21 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- non-strategist, participation, open strategy, identity work
