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The Death of a Salesman? An Exploration into the Discursive Production of Sales Identities

Sheena Vachhani

Culture and Organization, Volume: 12, Issue: 3, Pages: 249 - 264

Swansea University Author: Sheena Vachhani

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DOI (Published version): 10.1080/14759550600865990

Abstract

<p>This paper critically examines how identity formations change, dissolve and reform. It is argued that the framing overtly expressed in the production of identity and the construction of narrative therein provide an interesting stage from which to understand linguistic (de)constructions of i...

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Published in: Culture and Organization
Published: Taylor and Francis 2006
Online Access: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14759550600865990
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2235
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Abstract: <p>This paper critically examines how identity formations change, dissolve and reform. It is argued that the framing overtly expressed in the production of identity and the construction of narrative therein provide an interesting stage from which to understand linguistic (de)constructions of identity change in organisational life, here explored, amongst salespeople in a single case organisation. Empirical material is  presented to explore a dualism of salesperson identity (the hunter/farmer) which is reformulated through a collapse in the dichotomy to produce a more ‘professional’ sales individual. Theories of deconstruction and difference throw into relief the processes of these identity changes and demonstrate the insufficiency of dichotomous formations of identity. The paper briefly draws upon the work of Luce Irigaray to discuss the nascent theme of difference as a concept for theorising social relations and identity. It is the displacement and dissolution of identity which can be considered productive through an understanding of difference. Therefore, a sensate engagement with Irigaray’s tracing of difference that interpolates different subject positions provides both the conditions of possibility and impossibility for identity change.</p>
Item Description: <p>This paper won the best paper award at the 2004 SCOS conference (Halifax, Nova Scotia)</p>
Keywords: Discourse; Sales; Dualisms; Identity construction; Narrative
College: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Issue: 3
Start Page: 249
End Page: 264