Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book introduces the groundwork for the critical analysis of meanings constructed as authentic. It focuses on the question of discursive power and legitimation, and begin to look at examples of identity construction in organizational context. The book addresses the question of discursive power as reflected in the rhetorical strategies and practices of organizations in the process of constructing their identities. It deals with a deconstruction of text surrounding that organization's emissions control scandal. The book shows some insights into the process of actively engaging in sensemaking and identity, leading to some suggestions for further study and questions about the future of technology, identity and communication. Social media construct a reality where networks, artifacts, actors, meanings and identities converge without the traditional limitations of time and space.