Microloans from an organizational perspective - A case study from Cambodia

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to understand how identity could be created in organizations working with microloans. The purpose was also to see how this identity was manifested in term of rules, guidelines and symbolic manifestations. The result of this thesis was analyzed from a symbolic perspective which worked as a tool to understand how identity could be created in an organization working with microloans. The data which is used in this study was gathered in Siem Reap, Cambodia in November and December 2013. This is a qualitative ethnographic case study. The data in this study comes from interviews and observations made at JWOC (Journeys within our community), an organization working with microloans. Documents written by JWOC have also been used in this thesis. The material which was gathered generated themes from which the analysis was made, following themes were used; controlling, power, we and them, humour, heroes, belief in the future, and education. The result shows that education was the guiding principle in JWOC. Education also worked as a unifying factor since it was valued both by the organization and its staff members. Humour worked as a cooping strategy when the workload was too heavy. Humour also united the staff and created a sense of belonging in the organization. The results also show that JWOC had a comprehensive selection process when they chose the staff members and the borrowers. This enabled the organization to have people within the organization whom believed in its values. This was a way to create identity. The members of the organization were also more likely to be loyal to JWOC since they shared its values.