<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The paper provides a new approach to cluster analysis, basing on a sociologically rooted concept of identity. The authors state that identity in cluster structures is formed by two main groups of factors – uncontrollable or slightly controllable factors (identity mix) and factors that can be fully controlled by a cluster initiative (corporate identity mix). It means that the cluster coordinator is able to consciously build the identity of a cluster structure and reinforce the identification of individuals with one another and with the group as a whole. Thus, effective management of a cluster initiative can highly strengthen its identity whereas strong identity interacts back (in a positive way) with the efficiency and stability of a group. By contrast, poor management of an initiative tends to weaken group identity and, in the long term, it can lead to disintegration of the whole cluster initiative. The methods of the study are systemic and logic analysis. More advanced studies are needed to test the concept of identity for cluster structures and confirm the working hypothesis.</p></abstract>

The paper provides a new approach to cluster analysis, basing on a sociologically rooted concept of identity. The authors state that identity in cluster structures is formed by two main groups of factors – uncontrollable or slightly controllable factors (identity mix) and factors that can be fully controlled by a cluster initiative (corporate identity mix). It means that the cluster coordinator is able to consciously build the identity of a cluster structure and reinforce the identification of individuals with one another and with the group as a whole. Thus, effective management of a cluster initiative can highly strengthen its identity whereas strong identity interacts back (in a positive way) with the efficiency and stability of a group. By contrast, poor management of an initiative tends to weaken group identity and, in the long term, it can lead to disintegration of the whole cluster initiative. The methods of the study are systemic and logic analysis. More advanced studies are needed to test the concept of identity for cluster structures and confirm the working hypothesis.

Factors Affecting Group Identity of Cluster Structures

Journal of Intercultural Management

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

{"article-title":"Factors Affecting Group Identity of Cluster Structures"}

The paper provides a new approach to cluster analysis, basing on a sociologically rooted concept of identity. The authors state that identity in cluster...

Factors Affecting Group Identity of Cluster Structures

Published Online: Dec 10, 2016

Page range: 125 - 152

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/joim-2016-0013

Keywords
clusters, cluster initiative, group identity, corporate identity, identification, identity mix

© 2016 Społeczna Akademia Nauk

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Factors Affecting Group Identity of Cluster Structures

Published Online: Dec 10, 2016

Page range: 125 - 152

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/joim-2016-0013

Keywordsclusters, cluster initiative, group identity, corporate identity, identification, identity mix

© 2016 Społeczna Akademia Nauk

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
clusters, cluster initiative, group identity, corporate identity, identification, identity mix