Identity, Conflict and Reputation in the University Setting: An illustrative case study

An academic department in the university sector experiencing rapid growth was plagued by structural inadequacies due to the inappropriateness of the organizational arrangements carried over from former, smaller units, and also by an identity crisis, both at personal and departmental levels, which had resulted in major inter-personal and inter-small-group conflict. This paper outlines the historical background, the micropolitics underlying the project of finding a structure that would function effectively, reduce conflict and produce a coherent group identity. Finally, a brief assessment of the success, to date, of the structure the project resulted in is given, as are hints at micropolitical and managerial undercurrents which still need to be addressed.