Negotiating work identity

• Main Authors: Tamsen Saayman, Anne Crafford
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AOSIS 2011-11-01
• Series: SA Journal of Industrial Psychology
• Subjects: Identity; work identity; identity work; identity negotiation
• Online Access: https://sajip.co.za/index.php/sajip/article/view/963

Orientation: The study explored the dynamics of work identity negotiation and construction. Research purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate identity tensions and demands that mobilise identity work in the work environment. Motivation for the study: The study hoped to improve the understanding of the dynamics of identity construction and negotiation. Research design, approach and method: Using grounded theory methodology in the context of qualitative field research, the researchers conducted two unstructured interviews with 28 employees of a South African manufacturing company. Main findings: The five primary dimensions the data yielded were personal identity, individual agency, social identity, social practice and job. Practical/managerial implications: This study has implications for organisations that want to improve productivity through understanding work identity. Contribution/value-add: The article presents a conceptual model of the demands and tensions that influence work identity.