What Does It Mean to Be a “Polytechnic” University? Cultural Discourse Analysis of Organizational Identity

Abstract

This study explicates discourse surrounding organizational identity negotiation among different stakeholders during organizational change in a polytechnic university. We bridge organizational identity approach and Cultural Discourse Analysis (CuDA) and demonstrate how an organizational identity is negotiated through cultural communicative practices active among student leaders, faculty, administrators, and staff. Five themes emerged from our analysis of 24 interviews with university stakeholders: 1) polytechnic as “STEM”; 2) polytechnic prioritizes certain disciplines over others; 3) polytechnic as “learn-by-doing”; 4) polytechnic as many arts; and 5) polytechnic as symbolic of tension among colleges.

Keywords:

• Cultural Communication
• Cultural Discourse Analysis
• Organizational Identification
• Organizational Identity
• University Stakeholders

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sunny Lie Owens

Sunny Lie Owens (she/her/hers) is an Associate Professor in the Communication Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Her current research interests include cultural practices of romantic relating, matchmaking as a profession, and Chinese diaspora identity. She teaches courses in communication theory with a focus on culture and communication.

Maggie Boyraz

Maggie Boyraz (she/her/hers) is an Associate Professor in the Management Department at California State University, San Bernardino. Her research focuses on the role diversity on processes of global teams. Dr. Boyraz also examines application of communication skills in teaching and practice. She teaches courses on applied and team communication.

Nell C. Huang-Horowitz

Nell C. Huang-Horowitz (she/her/hers) is a Professor in the Communication Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Her research focuses on the intersection of organizational identity and reputation, small businesses and nonprofits, and emerging fields. She teaches courses in public relations and organizational communication.