Do you define yourself in terms of the university you attend? Why or why not? What are the implications of your answer for your university or college?

This question offers open discussion of social identity as well as several topics throughout this organizational behavior book. Usually, the status of the college plays an important role. Another factor is the difficulty of entry (which also relates to status). A third factor that student will usually mention is the “brand” of the college. Many students will identify with a college that is a highly practical school with close ties to industry.

The implications of social identity with the college are varied. One outcome is how often students mention the college. Another is how they defend the college when it might be criticized by people from other schools. Attendance at social and sporting events related to the college possibly is a fourth outcome.

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