New Directions in Professional Identity Work: Exploring Forms of Social Influence

Abstract

This symposium intends to broaden our understanding of individuals’ identity work within organizations by focusing on new sources and means of social influence. The burgeoning identity work literature has provided a rich understanding of how individuals in one’s immediate work environment – such as group members and superiors - affect identity work processes. In particular, this research illuminates how others contribute to identity formation, presentation, and maintenance. This symposium expands upon this scholarly work by (1) investigating additional sources of social influence within and outside of professional settings and (2) exploring how these social factors both contribute to and complicate identity work. For example, while mentors within an organization may be important for providing social feedback and serving as role models, influential figures outside of work may shape professional identity formation as well. Moreover, these myriad individuals may occasionally hinder identity work processes, such as when social feedback casts doubt on an aspirational identity. The combination of beneficial and detrimental influences from a variety of social forces creates a more complex, yet comprehensive, understanding of professional identity work. Collectively, the papers in this symposium expand the scholarly conversation in identity by illuminating how these less understood forms of social influence both enable and inhibit professional identity work and overall career advancement. Threat or Opportunity? Pathways of Leader Identity Development Presenter: Catarina R. Fernandes; Harvard U. Presenter: Lakshmi Ramarajan; Harvard U. Presenter: N Andrew Cohen; The George Washington U. Identity Work Within and Beyond the Professions: Toward a Theoretical Integration and Extension Presenter: Douglas A Lepisto; Boston College Presenter: Eliana Crosina; Boston College Presenter: Michael G. Pratt; Boston College Manufacturing Self-Authenticity: A Reflexive Process of Crafting Authenticity at Work Presenter: Beth A. Devine; INSEAD Presenter: Jennifer Louise Petriglieri; INSEAD Approach and Avoidance: How Parental Role Models Influence Professional and Family Identity Work Presenter: Rachel D. Arnett; Harvard U. Presenter: Robin Ely; Harvard U. Presenter: Kathleen L. McGinn; Harvard U.