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Article
Social Identities and Commitments at Work: Toward an Integrative Model
Journal of Organizational Behavior
  • John P. Meyer, University of Western Ontario
  • Thomas E. Becker, University of Delaware
  • Rolf van Dick, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität Frankfurt
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2006
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1002/job.383
Disciplines
Abstract

Although social identities and work-related commitment are important aspects of employee attachment, distinctions between and relations among the two have not been clearly articulated. In this conceptual piece, we propose that identity and commitment are distinguishable in terms of their essential meaning, foci of attachment, mindsets, volitionality, and behavioral implications. We further suggest that situated and deep structure social identities are differentially antecedent to exchange-based and value-based commitments, and that commitment mediates, at least partially, the effects of identities on motivation and work behavior. Finally, we consider the implications of multiple identities for employees in different kinds of collectives (nested and cross-cutting).

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Journal of Organizational Behavior, v. 27, issue 5, p. 665-683

Citation Information
John P. Meyer, Thomas E. Becker and Rolf van Dick. "Social Identities and Commitments at Work: Toward an Integrative Model" Journal of Organizational Behavior Vol. 27 Iss. 5 (2006) p. 665 - 683
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/thomas-becker/37/