Abstract

This chapter examines mafia behaviour in situations of crisis, transition and change by looking at forms of internal communication. It focuses in particular on Cosa Nostra’s written system of communication (pizzini) implemented under the leadership of Bernardo Provenzano. Drawing on cultural pragmatics theory of social performance, it argues that the micro-social interactions produced in those communications had a transformative effect on the actors involved, thereby not only reflecting but also influencing the organisation’s identity and structure.The case study thus provides a fascinating analysis of how tradition and innovation are concretely linked and enacted.