The ‘Shadow’ Politics of Organizational Identity Change: Micro-Level Narratives During Macro Turbulence

Drawing inspiration from Edwards et al. (2024) on Brexit-induced identity anxiety, this research would use qualitative longitudinal interviews to map the micro-politics of identity change during macro-level turbulence. Rather than focusing solely on formal restructuring, this study would uncover the informal narratives, alliances, and coping strategies employees deploy—especially those with little formal power. How do they reinterpret, resist, or embrace shifting organizational identities? What informal networks or “shadow politics” emerge to support adaptation or resistance? By focusing on the lived, everyday politics of identity work (cf. Al‐Sharif, 2024), the project extends current literature to the underexplored terrain of micro-political maneuvering during times of uncertainty. This perspective could help organizations better understand and manage the emotional and political fallout of forced identity transitions.

References:

1. Identity work responses to workplace stigmatization: Power positions, authenticity, religious coping and religious accommodation for skilled practising Muslim professionals. Rami Al‐Sharif (2024). Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology.
2. Anticipated organizational identity change, job anxiety and affective commitment during macro-level turbulence: a cross-lagged study in the shifting sands of Brexit. Martin R. Edwards, Ana C. Leite, Georgina Randsley de Moura, André G. Marques, Dominic Abrams (2024). European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology.