Identity and Competition in an Organizational Context

Abstract

As already emphasized in the introduction to this thesis, the model presented is based primarily on the structure of the economic identity models developed by Akerlof and Kranton. Their prototype model provides the structure of a contest model resulting in an overall framework within which to focus on the behavior of people who regard competitive behavior as part of their self-concept. In their models Akerlof and Kranton refer to the work of Tajfel and Turner, known as the “Social Identity Approach”. Since this research stream forms an integral part of the model presented as well as being key to the evaluation of M&A success factors, the following chapter provides a comprehensive summary of its most important elements.