Summary: | This paper aimes to contribute to the analyzes of Caldas and Wood Jr (1997) concerning to the concept of identity. That concept has been developed in Organization Studies under the propositions of Albert and Whetten (1985). In that way, identity concept has been defined by the following characteristics: centrality, distinctiveness and continuity. Nevertheless, a new paradigm has been emerging within social science. In this paper, we present a synthesis on how the concept of identity has been discussed in Social Psychology and Cultural Studies. For both theoretical perspectives, the ideas of centrality and durability are put into doubt, as identity is seen as dynamic and fragmentary. Besides that, we intend to show how the new paradigm is getting formed within Organizational Studies, especially considering international context. Considering that the emerging organizational ideas concerning identity show proximity with those proposed by Social Psychology and Cultural Studies, we raise possible questions that the new paradigm will have to face.
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