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Author: | Alvesson, M. Robertson, M. |
Title: | The best and the brightest: the construction, significance and effects of elite identities in consulting firms |
Journal: | Organization
2006 : MAR, VOL 13:2, p. 195-224 |
Index terms: | consultancy consultants knowledge sweden united kingdom organizational design corporate culture commitment |
Freeterms: | identity |
Language: | eng |
Abstract: | This article explores the elite identity constructions, and their building blocks, in four Swedish and British consulting firms. An elite social identity creates a 'neoliberal' form of governance so that the consultants can be trusted to work in the interests of the firm. The paper states that elite constructions facilitated: the promotion of self-discipline, the attraction and retention of consultants, the securing of an image that clients were prepared to engage with, and a relatively secure sense of self which enabled consultants to work effectively in high-ambiquity contexts. Consultants not only managed themselves, they also intensified the commitment to live an organizational life that demanded high standards and long working hours. |
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