Connection, Restructuring, and Buffering: How Groups Link Individuals and Organizations

Abstract

Research examining the individual–organization relationship has largely ignored the linking role of groups. Grounded in Scott, Corman, and Cheney's (1998) structurational model of organizational identification, we analyzed data obtained from members of groups embedded in a large religious organization. Results revealed three primary ways groups link individual members and the organization via identification. The connection function provides members with local copresent linkages to the organization and an environment in which to express their connection/relationship to the organization. The restructuring function enables members to restructure conflicting individual and organizational identity structures. The buffering function enables members to disidentify with a portion of the organizational identity and still maintain a sense of organizational identification.

Keywords:

• Organizational Communication
• Organizational Identification
• Groups
• Structuration Model

Acknowledgements

This study represents a portion of Dr. Silva's dissertation, directed by Dr. Sias. We thank the editor and two anonymous reviewers for their very helpful comments and suggestions.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Deborah Silva

Deborah Silva is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Walla Walla University

Patricia M. Sias

Patricia M. Sias is Professor of Communication in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University