CONSIDERATION OF LEGITIMACY PROCESSES IN TEASING OUT TWO PUZZLES IN THE STATUS LITERATURE

Abstract

In this paper, I show how a consideration of legitimacy processes is of theoretical use in addressing two current issues in status research. First, I investigate under what conditions the contrast between the sex composition of a work group and the sex composition of an organization’s authority structure may trigger the salience of gender status in task groups. I argue that this contrast will make gender status salient when an evaluation from an authority figure outside the group creates inconsistency and uncertainty in the current status structure within the group. Delegitimation of a superior is one such process that produces this inconsistency and uncertainty. Second, I examine under what conditions status position compared to identity will more likely stimulate behavior among work group members. I argue that the legitimation of the superior and the group’s status order reduce the likelihood that group members will pursue status inconsistent, identity behaviors. Delegitimation, however, increases opportunities for acting in identity consistent ways and reduces the costs for doing so, thus enhancing the likelihood of identity-based behaviors.

Citation

Johnson, C. (2003), "CONSIDERATION OF LEGITIMACY PROCESSES IN TEASING OUT TWO PUZZLES IN THE STATUS LITERATURE", Thye, S.R. and Skvoretz, J. (Ed.) Power and Status (Advances in Group Processes, Vol. 20), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 251-284. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0882-6145(03)20009-6