Organizational narratives and self-legitimation in international organizations.

The article examines how international organizations (IOs) use self-legitimation narratives—internal communications aimed at affirming organizational identity and values among IO staff—to maintain cohesion and motivation. It introduces a three-part typology of narrative content: purpose (organizational values and mission), performance (effectiveness and impact), and politics (alignment with member states' interests). Drawing on interviews and case studies from the United Nations, the article finds that narratives focused on purpose are more likely to be endorsed and become dominant, while those emphasizing performance or politics tend to be challenged or rejected by staff. The findings highlight the importance for IO leaders to align internal messaging with staff's normative expectations to sustain legitimacy, motivation, and organizational effectiveness.