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Conceptualising and Measuring Work Identity pp 23–51Cite as

Work Identity: Clarifying the Concept

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Abstract

This chapter provides the theoretical background and framework for the conceptualisation, the development and ultimately for the operationalisation of the work-based identity construct. The first section of the chapter introduces the reader to the identity phenomenon with the focus on the role-players and distinct process involved in identity formation. To explain the role of the individual as main role-player in the identity formation process, an onion model is presented that suggests that individuals by their own free will operate in different social spheres of life. This model provides an indication of which spheres (e.g. economic sphere) and roles (e.g. work role) are important and salient in a person’s life. These spheres and roles eventually influence individuals’ choice of which work facets are deemed important and salient in their life and consequently which work facets they would like to identify with.

The second part of the chapter introduces literature on the two prominent theoretical streams, social identity theories (SIT) and role identity theories (RIT), which aim to explain the identity formation, activation and outcome process. The first stream includes social identity (SIT) and self-categorisation theories (SCT), while the latter stream includes identity (IT) and identity control theories (ICT). Both theoretical streams suggest that the end result of these processes is what is called an identity prototype or standard.

The third part of the chapter unpacks the work-identity prototype or standard that consists of a structural, social as well as an individual-psychological dimension. The different work-related identification foci are incorporated into these dimensions which provide a sound basis for conceptualising and operationalising the work-based identity construct.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    F. Chris Bothma & Sandra Lloyd

  2. Department of Management and Organization, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Svetlana Khapova

Authors
  1. F. Chris Bothma
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  2. Sandra Lloyd
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  3. Svetlana Khapova
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Correspondence to F. Chris Bothma .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Paul G.W. Jansen

  2. University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Gert Roodt

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Bothma, F.C., Lloyd, S., Khapova, S. (2015). Work Identity: Clarifying the Concept. In: Jansen, P., Roodt, G. (eds) Conceptualising and Measuring Work Identity. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9242-4_2

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