This paper aims to propose an introduction of the spatiality dimension on the concept of identity in two ways: as a conceptual as well an analytical category for the study of identity in the organizing process. In so doing, we have conducted a critical overview of the literature concerning Identity in the field of Brazilian Organizational Studies. We have attempted to comprehend the evolution of the theme. Moreover, we have resorted, in a inductive way, to some classic theoretical foundations (ALBERT; WHETTEN, 1985; BAUMAN, 2005; BERGER; LUCKMANN, 2004; ERIKSON, 1976) aiming to better understand the origins and evolution of the concept of identity, in addition to adding more strength to the theoretical proposition. Despite the apparent evolution of the theme in Brazilian EO's, with assimilation and replication of the most internationally important ideas in the Brazilian context, this study is based on the assumption to which the researchers have limited themselves, with few exceptions, to reproduce the classical concept of identity proposed by Albert & Whetten (1985), without, however, concerning themselves with developing and expanding the concept. Despite this restriction, we have proposed here a new analytical and conceptual category: spatiality. This could be incorporated into the framework of the theme of identity, in an effort to develop it and, simultaneously, supply a new element for empirical investigation. Obviously, this proposition is merely a starting point, which must be validated by the researchers in the field, using qualitative and quantitative methods.
identity; spatiality; theoretical model
