(The) effect of nationalism on organizational identification: A moderation effect analysis

Abstract

In today’s globalized world, a company’s country of origin shapes potential employees’ vision. However, to what extent national identity shapes employees’ perceptions of an organization has not been studied. This study aims to examine how employees’ nationalist attitudes affect organizational identification. We draw from the social identity theory that employees’ nationalism will tend to favor national companies. The study surveyed 205 employees working for national and foreign companies in the United States. The results of this study suggest that there is a significant effect of employees’ nationalism on organizational pride and perceived external prestige. However, no direct effect of employees’ nationalist attitudes on organizational identification has been found. We conclude that, depending on the company's nationality, national identity can influence employees' perceptions of it.