Title: Identity at Work: Exploring strategies for Identity Work Name: Mohamed Syafiq Bin Mohd Shaharuddin Lecturer:

Dr. Norashikin

1. Purpose of study The purpose of this study is to explore the strategies people follow in identity work in order to regulate and negotiate their identities at work. The study views identity as being negotiated in relation to multiple contexts that inform and influence identity. There are three core concepts in understanding how people manage the demands made by both the personal and social aspects to their identities which are work identity (focuses on the person at work and how he or she is defined within the context of work), identity work (process of negotiating and regulating identity) and strategies for work identity (actual decisions and actions taken for regulating identity). 2. Methods used i. Sampling Twenty-eight individuals were selected with a subsample of 19 participants were analysed. The sample consisted of 13 males and 6 females with ages ranged from 27 to 58. ii. Research setting Data were gathered in one of the plants of an international manufacturing organisation based in Gauteng, South Africa. iii. Data collection Two rounds of interviews were conducted by seven fieldworkers in a two week period. Each researcher interviewed four individuals. The first round of interviewing was very exploratory whereby the participants were allowed to discuss freely both personal and work related aspects that the researchers considered important for understanding how work identity is negotiated and regulated. Following the first round of interviews was a peer debriefing session where researchers discuss initial perspective and preparation for second round of interviews. The second round followed shortly and the purpose this time is to confirm the data from the first interview and to investigate unexplored areas. After the second round finishes, peer debriefing session was held where global themes and misconceptions about the data were discussed. 3. Outcome of the study There are nine strategies identified being categorized in four major themes. i. Theme 1: Personal philosophy Refer to strategies people follow to make sense of their world and cope with difficulties in their work lives. It also involves personal beliefs, morals and values that influence all spheres of life. Strategies involved are: a. Living work ethic guides decisions and behaviour when faced difficulties at work b. Living personal ethic guidance for decisions and behaviour in life

ii.

Theme 2: Relationships People refer to their relationships to define themselves and establish what is important in their lives. Strategies involved are: a. Relationship work investing in relationship and manage these relationship to achieve goals. b. Managing relationships with family deriving fulfilment, strength and motivation from family c. Managing relationships at work gaining emotional support and networking from working relationship to achieve goals

iii.

Theme 3: Career management People follow strategies in relation to the development of their professional lives. These are followed at various times throughout their working lives as they work towards achievement in their careers. Strategies involved are: a. Education educating oneself to provide knowledge and skill to work successfully. b. Career mobility moving between organisations to achieve work related, career, financial and personal goals.

iv.

Theme 4: Negotiating balance The importance of balancing the demands of work and personal life is considered in this theme. Also includes aspects for managing boundaries and work-life integration. Strategies involved are: a. Managing boundaries manage boundaries and making decisions that enhance temporal flexibility and relaxation to achieve work-life balance. b. Work-life integration integrating work into life and vice versa to become more holistic.

4. Application of findings The understanding of work identity and the processes through which it is created and negotiated is important for organisations. Firstly, importance of family and work relationships in negotiating work identity needs to be understood through organisational practices. Secondly, the effect of employees personal philosophies in regulating work identity must be understood and given space for expression and valuation. Thirdly, people should understand the effect of their actions and goals on their personal identity at work and how these relate to organisational goal achievement. Fourthly, employees need to be aware of the possible strategies available to them in identity work process. Finally, inter-relatedness of strategies

highlights the importance of people as holistic beings who draw on different aspects of their lives and go to great lengths in order to define themselves. 5. Opinions on article I learned that it is important in knowing how people create their work identity and how they manage it. Living their own life and doing their work are two very different life aspects which require different approach to handle matter. It is very difficult sometimes to define oneself at home and at work when we are required to be successful in both. So this study is very important to identify the critical aspects needed in controlling these two variables and how people should implement it in their life.