The Role of Organizational Identity During Times of Stress at Regional Comprehensive Universities

• In Event: 29.041 - Leadership and Legitimacy in Diverse Postsecondary Organizational Contexts

Abstract

Organizational identity is defined as the "central, distinctive and enduring characteristic of an organization" that “distinguishes the organization on the basis of something important and essential” (1985, p. 266). Regional comprehensive universities educate 20% of all undergraduates nationwide, a majority of whom are minority, nontraditional, low-income and first generation. RCUs were founded to embody a public purpose of promoting access, regional civic and economic health, and student-centeredness. Despite the important role they serve, RCUs face unprecedented challenges created by a neoliberal public policy context that narrows their purpose to their role in improving the economy. This study examined the function of organizational identity among RCUs during times of stress created by a neoliberal public policy context.

Author

• Cecilia M. Orphan, University of Denver