In this paper we try to contribute do city-organization development in organization studies. We analyze a dynamics of a city from Minas Gerais country, in Brazil, which we've studied through a qualitative research approach based on semi-structured interviews in depth with several local population representants. Collected data was examined through discourse analysis method. Main results reveal that Itabira city is historically represented associated to mineral resources exploration and to Vale Company. At the same time city-organization representations varies from a material focus (miner work city) to a symbolic one (cultural city). It refers to a place with a own identity, different of others because its richness and opportunities, and recognized by its culture. Itabira's citizens are represented as obedient, submissive and strong workers as individuals with intense feelings, which do not let them be light. Main implications of this study refers to necessity of assume culture as a metaphor, once a city is, without a doubt, its habitants.
city-organization; organizational identity; local identity; social identity