Me, Me, and Me: The Process of Felt (In)Authenticity at Work through Multiple Referent Selves

Abstract

Authenticity is often positioned as the straightforward alignment between one’s inner self and outward behaviors. However, this traditional conceptualization fails to account for the possibility that individuals balance being authentic to multiple coexisting selves. We build on existing work in authenticity, self and identity, and communications to propose an alternative perspective: that individuals simultaneously have an unfiltered self (based on a lack of restraints), a normative self (based on sensible categories), and an aspirational self (based on ideals) that serve to meet competing intrapersonal needs for self-verification, self-regulation, and self-enhancement, respectively. We posit that individuals rely on different logics to communicate with others about these referent selves in order to enact authenticity. In turn, behavioral (mis)alignment with one’s intended message about the self shapes felt (in)authenticity, which informs self-conscious emotions (pride, shame, guilt) reflecting individuals’ self-evaluations that, over time, influence individuals’ identification with the organization. Overall, our theoretical framework offers an alternative conceptualization of the dynamic process of authenticity. Specifically, it suggests that the particular path by which individuals feel (in)authentic in given episodes—rather than simply whether they feel authentic—may be more critical for both individual well-being and organizational relationships than currently believed.