D.Litt. et Phil. / Recent studies have found that the life expectancy of organisations is rapidly declining (currently between 40 and 50 years) and that organisational decline and bankruptcy were increasing at disturbing rates. Equally recent contributions in the popular and business press have suggested that the expensive path to corporate failure could be linked to the "identity" or "corporate identity" of the organisation (more specifically the absence thereof). With the exception of the public relations and advertising perspectives, scant attention has been given to the notion of identity within an organisational context. Moreover, very little scholarly research has been conducted on the subject with much of the available literature written at a fairly superficial level by consultants or executives of advertising agencies. This is largely due to the abstract nature of the concept, the ambiguity surrounding its meaning, and the practice of using the organisation identity concept interchangeably with concepts such as corporate image and corporate identity. The current study set about to investigate and determine the theoretical and practical relevance of the organisation identity concept and argued that conceptual clarity was a prerequisite for exploring its relevance at an empirical level. The literature review commenced with clarification of the meaning and nature of organisation, acknowledging that organisational features (e.g. organisation identity) need to be understood from within the context of the organisation. Organisation theory, psychological perspectives (theory) on organisation, organisational change, organisational performance and new / emerging forms of organisation were subsequently reviewed and a fundamental perspective established as context for considering the concept of organisation identity. The empirical findings of the study were consistent with many of the theoretical assumptions regarding the nature of identity (essentially the organisation's distinctive character, as conveyed by its unique / distinctive, central or core and enduring features). Results furthermore suggest that processes of identity acquisition and the concept of identity crisis may be rewarding avenues for continued research. Conclusions, though constrained by the non-probability (convenience) nature of the research sample, nonetheless confirmed the linkage (and sensitivity) of organisation identity to the more generic life cycle of organisations and organisational change processes. The strong and pervasive relationship of organisation identity with organisational performance indexes has profound implications for the conceptualisation of organisations, their management and survival, and generally the role of leadership. It introduces a hitherto unknown concept into the performance management domain, which, on reflection, suggests that many established managerial routines, and practices may need to be reconsidered. For this research population, it is suggesting that management may comfortably redirect managerial focus, energy, and other resources towards identity establishment, maintenance and/or management with solid prospects for enhancing organisational performance. The latter is applicable regardless of whether performance in this context refers to short or medium term financial or other indicators. It was concluded that if the research findings could be extrapolated to a broader community of organisations, and were acted upon in a concerted manner by management, that the life expectancy of organisations could be significantly extended. This will ensure positive benefits not only to the workforce and those affected by organisations, but also society at large.

In the past fourteen years, mergers and takeovers have represented a major dimension of corporate identity changes in South African institutions of higher learning. This treatise firstly describes and then explores if students identify themselves with the NMMU corporate identity. Thereafter, it firstly explores and then describes the corporate identity awareness level of NMMU students. Design: An exploratory-descriptive research design was used. The researcher used two types of data. One was secondary data and the other one was primary data. The former were collected by means of an extensive review of the related literature. The latter were obtained by means of surveys. In addition this treatise has referred to The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Brand Strategy (2007) document that was prepared by the brand manager, Karen Coetzee. Findings: The level of brand awareness among students is considered to be low. There is a need to improve the corporate identity awareness level of these strategic stakeholders for the future success of the university. Limitations: This treatise has concentrated on the parent brand (NMMU). Furthermore, the sampling has been limited to students studying at NMMU (Port Elizabeth campuses). Significance: It is important to explore the corporate brand awareness level of the students. It is also essential to discover if students identify themselves with the new NMMU brand.

M.Comm. / Die waarde van hierdie ondersoek hou verband met die bemarking van 'n onderneming en die handhawing van 'n mededingende voordeel deur die projektering van 'n positiewe beeld (Anon., 1995a:92; Bateman & Zeithaml, 1993:75; Caminiti, 1992:50; Kotler & Armstrong, 1991:240). Hierdie aspek neem toe in belangrikheid soos wat die besigheidsmilieu in Suid-Afrika verander, veral wat betref die toetrede van buitelandse maatskappye tot die Suid-Afrikaanse mark.

This dissertation studies the dynamics behind sudden, negative shifts in the corporate reputations of business firms, through three independent but related papers, a phenomenon that we refer to as a reputational crisis. This issue is of critical importance because the corporate reputation of a firm is one of its most valuable but potentially volatile intangible resources. Therefore, a better understanding of the situations where business firms suffer significant reputational losses within relatively short periods of time can contribute to both strategic management and business and society. From a strategic management perspective, the examination of sudden major losses in corporate reputation is an examination of the loss of what is potentially one of the most important intangible firm resources, if not the most important intangible resource of the firm. While, from a business and society perspective, an examination of sudden drops in corporate reputation could reveal the reputational impact that such sudden events have in the network of stakeholders (Freeman, 1984) who surround the firm and are, in a sense, the 'evaluators' of its reputation. / The first paper of this dissertation consists of a theoretical exploration of the management of reputational crises caused by sudden and unexpected incidents like industrial accidents, scandals, and product failures. Drawing on the stakeholder and crisis management literatures, a model useful in providing a better understanding of reputational crises is developed. The second paper is an empirical investigation into the impact that accidents can have on the corporate reputation of business firms. More specifically the impact that a number of accident characteristics have on the reputational re-evaluations of two particular stakeholder groups, industry executives and financial analysts, is investigated with data drawn from Lexis-Nexis and the America's Most Admired Corporations (AMAC) survey of FORTUNE magazine. Finally, the third paper of the dissertation examines the Brent Spar controversy to investigate two issues of importance in the management of reputational crises: the reasons behind a company's decisions to buffer or bridge when faced with a reputational crisis; and, the role of stakeholder salience in this decision.

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<p>When studying how companies differentiate from their competitors, corporate image can play a main role in this aspect. The aim of this study is to observe and analyse the perception by the consumers of the corporate image of two groceries companies.This perception can lead to a competitive position in the marketplace by outperforming competitors in all the areas of corporate image. Thus, it can be observed how both companies are differentiated in the mind of the consumers in a different way.</p>

When studying how companies differentiate from their competitors, corporate image can play a main role in this aspect. The aim of this study is to observe and analyse the perception by the consumers of the corporate image of two groceries companies.This perception can lead to a competitive position in the marketplace by outperforming competitors in all the areas of corporate image. Thus, it can be observed how both companies are differentiated in the mind of the consumers in a different way.

This research attempts to establish that landscapes can support and enhance a business identity program. Previous environmental perception research has investigated affective and cognitive responses to natural landscapes, but little, if any, research has explored the area of meaning in a business landscape. Consequently, this study develops a theoretical framework from which to demonstrate a business identity in the landscape. In an effort to structure a framework for both affective and cognitive meanings in business environments, this study draws on past environmental perception research that focuses on affective responses to molar environments. From out of this research design, affective and cognitive dimensions are identified that allow testing of business identities in the environment. Findings show that landscapes can support and enhance an overall business identity program. The study concludes with a discussion of future research that might further the benefits of landscapes to the business community.

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