The Path Dependence of Organizational Reputation: How Social Judgment Influences Assessments of Capability and Character

Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 33, No. 5, pp. 459-477

Posted: 15 Feb 2011 Last revised: 7 Mar 2012

See all articles by Yuri Mishina

Yuri Mishina

Imperial College London

Emily S. Block

University of Notre Dame

Michael J. Mannor

University of Notre Dame

Date Written: February 14, 2011

Abstract

Drawing upon theory on social judgments and impression formation from social psychology, this paper explores the socio-cognitive processes that shape the formation of favorable and unfavorable organizational reputations. Specifically, we suggest that stakeholders make distinctions between an organization’s capabilities and its character. We explain the nature and function of each and articulate the manner in which judgment heuristics and biases manifest in the development of capability and character reputations. In doing so, this research explores both the positive and negative sides of organizational reputation by examining the manner in which different types of reputations are built or damaged, and how these processes influence the ability of managers to enhance and protect these reputations.

Suggested Citation

Mishina, Yuri and Block, Emily S. and Mannor, Michael J., The Path Dependence of Organizational Reputation: How Social Judgment Influences Assessments of Capability and Character (February 14, 2011). Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 33, No. 5, pp. 459-477, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1761663

Yuri Mishina (Contact Author)

Imperial College London ( email )

South Kensington Campus
Exhibition Road
London, Greater London SW7 2AZ
United Kingdom

Emily S. Block

University of Notre Dame ( email )

361 Mendoza College of Business
Notre Dame, IN 46556-5646
United States

Michael J. Mannor

University of Notre Dame ( email )

361 Mendoza College of Business
Notre Dame, IN 46556-5646
United States

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