Is this the end? organising identity as a post-modern means to a modernist end

Many analyses have focused on the extent to which processes of Japanisation have affected power relations (Sewell and Wilkinson, 1992), commitment relations (Chonko, 1988) and health relations (Strauss et al., 1982) within organisations. There has, however, been less of a focus on the uses post-modern forms of work organisation make of individual identity. This paper attempts with the use of case study material, to show how organisations seek to modify individuals' identities to match those of their companies. It illustrates a situation in which despite forward sounding rhetoric, organisations are still seeking to gain control over individuals, rather than share in a partnership with them; but in which, also individual employees can still resist, despite hard economic times.