National identity in the internationalization context : a case study with Harvia Sauna & Spa

Abstract

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The role of national identity within MNEs operating in international contexts is under-studied in the body of organizational identity work. This thesis seeks to answer the research question: how does a firm align its nationally situated identity when tension emerges from its evolving global strategic ambitions throughout the internationalization process? In a unique case study of Finnish national identity within Harvia Sauna & Spa, I approach this question from the foundation of the strategy-identity nexus and aim to produce theory that is generalizable to other cases. My findings suggest that national identity may play a more dynamic role than previously believed, as tensions emerge throughout the process of internationalization, various realignment mechanisms transform the organization’s sense of national identity.