Identifying Barriers to Organizational Identification among Low-Status, Remote Healthcare Workers

Abstract

ABSTRACT When employees have strong identification with an organization, they are more likely to remain working there and to make decisions that are in the best interest of the organization. This can be important when employees work remotely and have little contact with the organization. Through analyzing interviews with low status, remote-working home health aides and their supervisors, this study identifies barriers to identification that the aides face. Findings suggest that these barriers include the aides’ limited interaction with supervisors and other aides; their close relationship with clients; their lack of status and respect within the organization; and financial incentives to take a second job. Finding ways to increase identification among direct care workers could contribute to finding solutions to the U.S. direct care worker shortage.