This paper aims to propose a perspective on identity in organizational studies, considering an integrative view of identity as everyday practices, practices as discursive practices, and discursive practices as oriented by rationalities. Oriented by different rationalities, individuals are capable of practicing either an authentic or an instrumental identity in their current lives. Applying this assertion to organizational contexts, we emphasize the importance of studying individuals in relation to collective levels. According to Ramos' (1981) theory on the delimitation of social systems, in different worlds of social life, individuals are allowed to act according to different rationality types. On the other hand, considering Ciampa's (2003) concept of metamorphosis identity, we can also state that individuals are capable of practicing an authentic identity in instrumental-oriented contexts. In this way, they transform themselves and transform repressive conditions. Therefore, researchers willing to comprehend identity processes in organizational contexts are expected to identify emergent groups, i.e. collective identities, and then analyze the relationship between collective and individual rationalities in order to reveal identity construction. This paper presents a theoretical articulation of our proposal and, in the final part, indicates possible methodological paths to operationalizing it.
Identity; Discursive practice; Rationality; Collective identity; Discourse analysis
