The discursive construction of identity through interaction on social media in a Chinese NGO

Abstract

This article investigates the discursive construction of social identity in a Chinese NGO involved in ongoing online discussions on WeChat, China’s fastest growing social networking site. While there is extensive literature on various aspects of online interaction, the analysis of identity construction through online discussions and the extent to which such discussions affect the collective identity of a group, especially an NGO, constitute a gap in the existing literature. Through the analysis of ongoing interactions in a group on WeChat over a period of eight months, and within the framework of social constructionist organization theory, this article adds to the existing academic discussion by revealing the way in which key members of a Chinese NGO are engaged in a process of group identity construction.

Keywords:

• construction
• identity
• social networking site
• WeChat
• NGO

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their suggestions and constructive criticism which greatly contributed to addressing weaknesses in this article.