The Multidimensional Self at Work: An Intersectional Examination of Identity Conflict and Authenticity Among Black and White Men and Women

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Summerville, K. (2022). The Multidimensional Self at Work: An Intersectional Examination of Identity Conflict and Authenticity Among Black and White Men and Women. Unc Charlotte Electronic Theses And Dissertations.
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Abstract

Diversity initiatives are often ineffective because they characterize differences at the group-level, and therefore, do not adequately address individuals’ specific identity-related challenges. I apply intersectionality theory to understand how multiple identities are constructed into overall self-concepts at work. The purpose of this study is to use a network-based approach to identity to provide a comprehensive examination of the extent to which race, gender, and professional identities are salient, central, and conflicting for Black and White men and women at work. In support of intersectionality theory, which predicts that historically marginalized identities will be more salient and central for race and gender minority employees, results show that race identities are more salient, central, and conflicting for Black employees compared to White employees. Results suggest that women suppress their gender identities at work, however, they experience more conflict associated with gender identities across contexts. I integrate intersectionality theory and job-demands resources theory to develop and test a conceptual model that predicts race and gender interact to affect identity conflict and authenticity at work. Furthermore, I investigate how the relationships between identities (i.e., conflict, compatibility, centrality) in an identity network serve as resources that enable or constraint employees’ sense of authenticity and identity conflict at work. In summary, this work sheds light on the coexistence of multiple identities at work and how identity dimensions and affect personal work experiences.

Details
Author

Summerville, Karoline

Title

The Multidimensional Self at Work: An Intersectional Examination of Identity Conflict and Authenticity Among Black and White Men and Women

Physical Description

1 online resource (146 pages) : PDF

Date

2022

Degree Granting Institution

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

Diversity initiatives are often ineffective because they characterize differences at the group-level, and therefore, do not adequately address individuals’ specific identity-related challenges. I apply intersectionality theory to understand how multiple identities are constructed into overall self-concepts at work. The purpose of this study is to use a network-based approach to identity to provide a comprehensive examination of the extent to which race, gender, and professional identities are salient, central, and conflicting for Black and White men and women at work. In support of intersectionality theory, which predicts that historically marginalized identities will be more salient and central for race and gender minority employees, results show that race identities are more salient, central, and conflicting for Black employees compared to White employees. Results suggest that women suppress their gender identities at work, however, they experience more conflict associated with gender identities across contexts. I integrate intersectionality theory and job-demands resources theory to develop and test a conceptual model that predicts race and gender interact to affect identity conflict and authenticity at work. Furthermore, I investigate how the relationships between identities (i.e., conflict, compatibility, centrality) in an identity network serve as resources that enable or constraint employees’ sense of authenticity and identity conflict at work. In summary, this work sheds light on the coexistence of multiple identities at work and how identity dimensions and affect personal work experiences.

Genre

doctoral dissertations

Subjects--Topics

Management
Organizational behavior
Psychology

Degree

Ph.D.

Keywords

Diversity
Identity
Intersectionality
Network Science

Subject Area

Organizational Science

Advisor(s)

Tonidandel, Scott

Committee Members

Ruggs, Enrica
Yavorsky, Jill
Banks, George
Dippong, Joseph

Degree Note

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2022.

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Rights Holder Information

Copyright is held by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Identifier

Summerville_uncc_0694D_13225

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13093/etd:3163