In It Together: A Qualitative, Longitudinal Study of Jewish Organizational Culture

• In Event: Contested "Knowledge" in Contemporary Jewish Life

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative, longitudinal study of Jewish identity and organizational culture. Fifteen years ago, I conducted structured, qualitative interviews to gather data about the young adults’ personal Jewish histories, the extent of their Jewish identification, their career aspirations, and their perspectives about their organizations and the sector. Drawing extensively from participants’ narratives, the research illustrates how their work experiences informed their sense of self as Jews. It elucidates how their exposure to organizational culture from the inside influenced their negative perceptions of Jewish community and contributed to their reluctance to identify as Jewish communal professionals. The current research presents findings gathered from follow-up interviews with 25 of the original research subjects who are currently employed by Jewish organizations. By approaching Jewish organizational culture and identity as social constructions, this study adds vital insight into how those processes unfold over time. In doing so, this research contributes to an emerging conceptual shift away from a focus on defining and describing the qualities and characteristics that constitute Jewish identity and organizational culture. Respondents’ voices shed light on the primacy of relationships with peers in shaping their positive experiences at work and their sense of self as Jews. Through narratives gathered in both initial and follow-up interviews, respondents revealed the ways in which they encountered and co-created Jewish organizational culture through their participation in dense social networks. The findings provide rich detail about the benefits and challenges these individuals experienced during their careers in the Jewish communal sector. The study illustrates the ways in which respondents navigate the plutocratic organizational structure of the sector. Respondents described, critiqued, and complained about the related power dynamics they navigate. The study exposes the primary strategies they use to manage those relationships – including silencing themselves and turning to their peers for support – which ultimately serve to reify the hierarchical structure. Evidence gathered illustrates how respondents’ experiences at work influences how they choose to engage in the world as Jews, the extent of their communal involvement, and their sense of belonging to actual and conceptual Jewish community.

Author

• Tobin Belzer, University of Southern California, Center for Religion and Civic Culture