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Juggling work and home selves: Low identity integration feels less authentic and increases unethicality

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  • Ebrahimi, Mahdi
  • Kouchaki, Maryam
  • Patrick, Vanessa M.

Abstract

This research investigates the effect of individuals’ subjective perceptions of the overlap among different identities on their feelings of authenticity and the likelihood of engaging in unethical behavior. Across four studies we found that low (vs. high) identity integration led to greater feelings of inauthenticity and a higher likelihood of engaging in unethical behavior. Manipulation of low (vs. high or control) identity integration led to higher feelings of inauthenticity (Study 1) and greater cheating behavior (Study 2). Feelings of inauthenticity mediated the causal effect of low identity integration on dishonesty (Study 3). In a field survey, using supervisor–employee dyads, we replicated the results from the lab to show that employees who reported lower identity integration felt more inauthentic and were more likely to behave unethically as measured by their supervisors’ report of interpersonal and organizational deviance (Study 4). Our results demonstrate that the manner in which individuals view their multiple identities influences feelings of inauthenticity and unethical behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Ebrahimi, Mahdi & Kouchaki, Maryam & Patrick, Vanessa M., 2020. "Juggling work and home selves: Low identity integration feels less authentic and increases unethicality," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 101-111.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:158:y:2020:i:c:p:101-111
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2019.02.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ralph Bosch & Toon Taris, 2014. "Authenticity at Work: Development and Validation of an Individual Authenticity Measure at Work," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 1-18, February.
    2. Nancy P. Rothbard & Katherine W. Phillips & Tracy L. Dumas, 2005. "Managing Multiple Roles: Work-Family Policies and Individuals’ Desires for Segmentation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 16(3), pages 243-258, June.
    3. Touré-Tillery, Maferima & Light, Alysson E., 2018. "No self to spare: How the cognitive structure of the self influences moral behavior," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 48-64.
    4. Shao, Ruodan & Aquino, Karl & Freeman, Dan, 2008. "Beyond Moral Reasoning: A Review of Moral Identity Research and Its Implications for Business Ethics," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 18(4), pages 513-540, October.
    5. Jeanne Liedtka, 2008. "Strategy Making and the Search for Authenticity," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 80(2), pages 237-248, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gwarlann Kerviler & Nico Heuvinck & Elodie Gentina, 2022. "“Make an Effort and Show Me the Love!” Effects of Indexical and Iconic Authenticity on Perceived Brand Ethicality," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 179(1), pages 89-110, August.

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