Purpose

For a long time, researchers have stressed the importance of identity for collaborative supply relationships. Accordingly, it has been proposed that supply relationships may be efficiently managed by establishing a shared collective identity among partners. However, this strategy may challenge the partners' individual distinctiveness and thus lead to adversarial relationship outcomes. In this article, it is argued how and when establishing an intergroup relational identity may be a better choice than building a collective identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual research is based on an analysis of previous literature. Relational identity theorizing and the theory of intergroup leadership are applied to build on and extend previous views on identity in interorganizational contexts.

Findings

It is proposed that when supply chain actors are subject to identity threats in collaborative supply relationships, such threats are driven by the imbalance of power between or among the parties. Therefore, establishing an intergroup relational identity should be preferred over a collective identity in situations characterized by a high identity threat.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies could support this article's theoretical suggestions with empirical evidence.

Practical implications

Intergroup relational identity preserves the distinctiveness of all parties involved in a collaborative relationship and is based on their individual contributions. Managers could support a collaborative environment and promote a shared vision between or among organizations through appropriate rhetoric.

Originality/value

This study contributes to an understanding of the relational aspects of interorganizational behavior by adapting social psychological theories to this area of research.

中文翻译：

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如何不迷失自己：协作供应关系中关系身份的案例

目的

长期以来，研究人员一直强调身份对于协作供应关系的重要性。因此，已经提出可以通过在合作伙伴之间建立共享的集体身份来有效地管理供应关系。然而，这种策略可能会挑战合作伙伴的个人独特性，从而导致敌对关系的结果。在这篇文章中，讨论了如何以及何时建立群际关系身份可能是比建立集体身份更好的选择。

设计/方法/途径

概念研究基于对以往文献的分析。关系身份理论和群际领导理论被应用于建立和扩展以前关于组织间环境中身份的观点。

发现

有人提出，当供应链参与者在协作供应关系中受到身份威胁时，这种威胁是由各方之间或各方之间的权力不平衡所驱动的。因此，在以高身份威胁为特征的情况下，建立群际关系身份应该优于集体身份。

研究局限性/影响

未来的研究可以用实证证据支持本文的理论建议。

实际影响

群际关系身份保留了参与协作关系的所有各方的独特性，并基于他们的个人贡献。管理人员可以支持协作环境，并通过适当的言辞促进组织之间的共同愿景。

原创性/价值

本研究通过将社会心理学理论应用于这一研究领域，有助于理解组织间行为的相关方面。