Social and Temporal Influences on Interpretations of Organizational Identity and Acquisition Integration

Using a narrative approach, this study analyzes interpretations of organizational identity that emerged among members of autonomous groups brought together as a result of a double acquisition. Comparative analysis of a first set of interviews indicates divergent narratives emerged in two divisions established after the acquisition. Members' meaning construction related to organizational identity focused on such alternative themes as identity enhancement or threat, identity stability or ambiguity, and identity continuity or discontinuity. Differences in interpretations were influenced by the (a) social context that included such elements as encounters with other groups, integration and segregation tactics employed, and level of communication and control from higher level management and (b) temporal context evoked by members as they juxtaposed the past, present, and future identity. Interviews conducted 1 year later indicated changes in the contextual elements and a convergence in the groups' narratives. Implications for the management of acquisitions are presented.