Implementing a Social Identity Approach for Effective Change Management

Abstract

The social identity perspective asserts that it is the shared connection within a unified group that forms the foundation of successful group functioning. This is particularly salient during change. This review outlines the value and applicability of social identity principles in understanding change management. The first part of the article explains the underpinnings of resilient teams from a social identity perspective. In particular, the social identity approach is introduced, before the roles of shared and multiple contents in times of identity threat (e.g. during organizational change) are discussed. The second part of the article explains social identity strategies to build resilient teams in change contexts. In particular, the review focuses on the 3Rs approach (reflect, represent, and realize) as a developmental framework to create unique and distinctive social identities during change. Finally, a theoretical advancement of the 3Rs is proposed to include Reappraisal to optimize group and individual responses to the stress ubiquitous during change.

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