Identification is a self-referential description that provides a contextually appropriate answer to the question "Who am I?" or "Who are We?" It is the way in which people and organizations define themselves based on their personalities, concepts, and fundamental values.
Personal Identification:
Personal identity is one’s unique sense of self. It is the self composed set of attributes that one sees in him or herself that all together create one’s self-image. The accumulated sets of characteristics and perceptions about one’s abilities, goals, and personality traits all make up one’s self concept. This type of identification focuses on the self, rather than the identity that group members see. In a collectivist organizational setting, personal identity is not as important as social identity. Often, personal preference is replaced with the identity that best suites an organization and gives the organization a better chance at succeeding. Similarly, people will sometimes abandon their personal identities to better their chances at succeeding that the individual level. The image that one portrays, whether natural or constructed, is what organizations look at when hiring new employees.
There is often a rift between individuals who try to maintain their personal identities while trying to maintain an organizational identity. The problem is the individualistic approach of preference to act as individuals rather than as group members. “In collectivist cultures, tasks will be completed by members together, bringing along the slower members. In individualist cultures, assign tasks to individuals but make sure they realize that they are part of the larger team and cannot work alone" (Duarte and Snyder).
Social Identification:
It is defined as “that part of an individual’s self-concept which derives from his knowledge of his membership of a social group (or groups) together with the value and emotional significance attached to that membership” (Sam and Berry). Some of these groups that individuals associate themselves with include (Bamber and Iyer):
Gender
Race
Age
Religious affiliation
Socioeconomic status
These groups that individuals associate themselves all include their own rules, norms, and memberships. Like these groups, individuals also create social ties to organizations. Social identity is key to knowing one’s role in a team or group environment. One must be able to understand his or her social identity in comparison to other teammates and group members in order to fit in and make a positive contribution to the organization. Social identities are shared by group members and differentiate groups from one another. Most of the time, social identities are known to the group and understood by all.
Professional Identification:
Professional identification is similar to personal identification in that it deal with individual characteristics, but it differs in its relevance to the workplace. Professional identification comprises not only of one’s personal brand but also comprises how one presents him or herself in a résumé, application, interview, or workplace. While there are many ways to present one’s personal identity, this professional identity is the collection of professional skills and accomplishments that add to a potential employee’s value to an organization. Dr. Laura Morgan Roberts says, "People are constantly observing your behavior and forming theories about your competence, character, and commitment, which are rapidly disseminated throughout your workplace," she says. "It is only wise to add your voice in framing others' theories about who you are and what you can accomplish." It is important to have a positive professional identity because they represent the perceptions about your competence and characteristics as judged by key constituents (i.e., clients, supervisors, colleagues, subordinates). Roberts has four ways to keep a positive professional identity:
Pro social practices: compassionate, generous, virtuous behavior in the work place that helps
“The Reflective Best Self Exercise”: helps individuals understand who they are at their best. This exercise developed by researchers at the University of Michigan, assesses feedback from colleagues about an individual’s best work, adding gratitude and positive emotions.
Developmental perspective: Looking at yourself in a positive way by looking at your growth and development in an organization as a way to boost your identity.
Defining one’s personal and social identities: All of these categories that people place themselves into need to be in harmony, so that people can feel a sense of integrity rather than feel fragmented. People need to know how to manage their different identities in order to contribute to the organization.
For a more in-depth discussion about Dr. Roberts' methods to maintaining a positive professional identity, click here.
Organizational Identification:
Like personal and social identification, organizations must be able to answer the fundamental questions to identify themselves and distinguish themselves. "Identity is the central, distinctive, and enduring characteristic of an organization: It is how the collective answers the question ‘who are we as an organization?’” Organizational identification not only has to do with the way an organization defines itself, but how well its employees identify with the organization. Organizational identification can also be described as a cognitive connection between the individual and the organization . Being able to agree with the organizational concept and its goals are keys to running a fluid operation that ensures that the relationship between parties is positive.
Importance of Identifying with an Organization:
When employees can easily associate with an organization, their attachment to the organization increases. This attachment leads to greater job satisfaction and decreased employee turnover. Job satisfaction is often shown through higher productivity, better cooperation between coworkers, loyalty, and commitment. Organizations look for committed employees, and those who are able to identify with them have a better chance at succeeding at the individual level and contributing to the organization as a whole. Identifying with the organization and maintaining strong relationship between employer and employee is vital in producing positive results. When an organization and its employees are able to not only coexist, but have these strong relationships, employees can identify with their employers and thrive. Michael Bamber writes, “organizational identification reflects the individual’s psychological attachment to a specific organization, and that organizational identification is associated with desirable outcomes for the individual and the organization, including job satisfaction, job involvement, and intent to remain.”
Professional Image:
Professional Image is the sum of clients', bosses', superiors', subordinates', and colleagues' perceptions of one's competence and character.
Professional Image Construction:
Appearance matters: Social psychologists say that it only takes approximately thirty seconds for employers and colleagues to create a list of impressions from one’s personal appearance.
A more in depth analysis of Professional Image Construction will discussed below.
Professional Image Construction (Andrew)
Professional Image Construction can be a long and intimidating process, while at the same time can become natural to others. People who have a superb image in the working world take the time to make sure they put their best foot forward. On the other hand, some may have no idea on where to start constructing their professional image. Taking the right approach will be your task to become the best that you can be. According to Susan Morem and Susan Bixler (Morem, Susan "How to gain the professional edge," BIxler, Susan "The new professional image") step by step, you can figure out what makes your professional image stand out.
Evaluation
Think about what brought you to the position you are in. This will help you understand what you are doing and will lead you to what needs to be done. You may ask yourself: What is expected of you in your professional setting? A well constructed self evaluation will help you understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. Asking yourself "Who am I?" "What can I contribute?" and "What areas of my professional image can I improve on?" will go a long way in helping you become your best in the professional world.
Change can be good
If a change is needed in your professional image, don't stress. Change can sometimes be difficult, but with a positive mindset in knowing what you need, the possibilities are endless for you. Categorically, people fall into at least three types of change. There are people who are excited about any new opportunity that is presented to them while learning a little something about themselves in the process. There are also people who are unsure of investing their time into change because they believe they are already successful, and would rather spend time doing something else they feel is productive. Lastly there are people who don't see the point at all in trying to make a change due to a form of stubbornness. Which category do you fall under?
See what others see
From self evaluation comes your results. Take for example the opportunity to be filmed. As you watch yourself in a professional environment, do you like what you see? Unfortunately, many of us don't like what we see. Taking feedback from others can be taken the wrong way if it isn't on par with what we think. Your results are feedback. When people communicate with you, their responses will aid in the feedback you may need. If you don't get the feedback you want, are you going to do something about it? Look within yourself for the answer you seek. Once you do that, look outside yourself. Think of someone who brings energy to a company, and someone who doesn't. Look at those qualities and feed off of them to the best of your ability.
Non verbal cues
Without even using words, we can accomplish a lot in a business environment. For example, if we are seeking to end a task such as a corporate meeting, we may shake other members hands, which indicates that we are finished with the present task and are moving onto the next. Using hand gestures can be an important part of what you have to say. It can add color and interest, keeping others attracted to what you're saying. Sometimes we don't know what to do with our hands. Developing a bases for different gestures will ensure a natural appearance rather than a fumbled, awkward look.
Hear yourself
Sound, volume, and pitch are the best foundation for speaking. Knowing how you sound is key. Recording how you sound is a great way to improve your charisma. How you sound to yourself versus how others hear you it very different. By Following a list such as the following, you have the ability to improve what your speech sounds like Diction: Pronounce sounds and word correctly Clarity: Speak clearly Grammar: Speak using correct grammar Slang: Avoid slang when in a professional setting Repetitive: Try to avoid saying the same things over and over Inflection: Control tone in certain sentences Volume: Be loud, but not too loud Listen: Take time to hear what others have to say
Remembering to do the little things can also contribute to your professional image. Sit and stand up with upright posture. Remembering to sit with your head up straight, with your shoulders back adds to your appearance, showing energy and profession. Making connections with people in your organization goes a long way in establishing yourself for future opportunities. This includes remembering names and job titles for reference. Lastly, there is no need to impress anyone. Many people have the belief that trying to impress others will lead them to a better image. This isn't true at all. If you are able to present yourself in a professional and natural way while staying true to who you are, you will surely go a long way in your career.
Speaking of image, what isn't being professional without having the right look. Many people overlook their psychical appeance. This is one of the most important factors to consider when constructing your image. First impression is key, and with that, you must select your clothing wisely.
First and foremost is dressing appropriately. Depending on the area of the country, your profession and style, dressing appropriate for your job is key. Whether this is a face to face meeting, or conferencing via some form of technology, choosing the right look is your foundation. (i.e videoconference) Dressing attractively is your next step. Find something that will compliment your personal style/coloring, goes well with your body, and can enhance your features. Attractiveness can even help you gain an edge when selling a potential product. (Bixler, Susan "The New Professional Image") Selecting the right color is usually the first thing others will notice. Choose a color that represents you while it helps you stand out from the crowd. Your body type should also be considered while trying to look your best. There are many options for people who may not have the perfect shape. Clothes that flatters your shape can turn your look around giving you a great appearance. All of this may sound very expensive, but in reality is not. Keep in mind your most portable asset is your image. (Bixler, Susan "The New Professional Image") When you put an effort into your appearance, people will notice. Using your resources wisely will enable you to pic up the wardrobe you need. Stay away from unusual colors, expensive name items that don't fit your wardrobe, uncomfortable fabric, and sizes that don't fit you. Be smart, and you will find yourself a wardrobe that says you.
Twitter is social networking website that allows for the sharing of information instantly and at your finger tips. As a user you have 140 characters to freely express your interest and media content. Most importnantly through Twitter the users have the capablity to share, links, blogs, videos and pictures to their followers and other users. With the accessibility of cell phone applications Twitter proceeds to grow with more than 195 million users.
Professional Identification
Various businesses use Twitter in order to connect to their users and business partners. Twitter gives businesses the opportunity to recieve instant feedback as well as to promote new products and ideas to their followers. It also allows business users to share ideas and keep current in what is taking place now. Businesses from Disney to The New York Times all have accounts that also allows futures engineers or writers to promote their work.
Social Networking sites such as twitter allow individuals to have professional identities that can be shared with in a group or network. With a strong standing of users which include corporate businesses, celebrities, authors, and individuals alike it progresses social networking within 140 characters. According to the New York Times Article, Putting Yourself Out There on a Shelf to Buy, social media websites like Twitter allows you to self construct your own professional image and publicly brand who you are as an individual and fully express your creativity, ability, and goals while giving you the opportunity to build up your net-worth.
Social Identification
The membership with Twitter allows for social group identification. It shows relation with in interests, gender, and age.
Media events such as The Super Bowl and NBA Playoffs allows for males and fans to socially converse through their tweets. Users are able to relate to their social interests while receiving instant feedback through accessibility through twitter phone applications
Facebook
Social Networking Website
Facebook is a social networking website that generates more than 500 million users and more than 150,000 users daily. According to the Times article The Future of Facebook, The main theory is real connections in the world. Connecting your friends, family and co workers and collectively share your interests and information. Its also the perfect vessel for advertisers to communicate with consumers naturally. Leaving Facebook to be the sixth most trafficked site in the United States.
Professional Identification
With the widespread demographic of a social networking website such as Facebook there are many ways that your personal page can affect your professional identification and affiliation. Websites like has 8 tips to obtaining a professional image:
Censor your wall posts and watch what others post on your wall
Never post informal pictures of your self that would seem inappropriate.
Avoid joining groups, fan pages and applications in your field
Even if your profile is private keep consistent with marinating a professional image
Build a professional image by sharing ideas and information’s by providing knowledge to your community
Request recommendations
Write blog posts that will show case your skills and knowledge
Create a well designed website that focuses on promoting and building your image
With thousands of Businesses utilizing Facebook, your Facebook page can be seen as an informal resume. The professionalism and representation is very affective and accessible to businesses and managers and the option of defacing the business and your co workers are possible. Relevant instances have occurred to firing workers because they have not obtained their professional image and example is the New York Times article Company Accused of Firing because of Facebook Post. An employee was fired after criticizing her supervisor on her Facebook page.
Social Identification
As a social utility Facebook connects your friends, family and co-workers. Your page allows you to express your self-perception through your photos, updates, and wall posts. It also gives the opportunity to self-construct depending on what you want to be seen and broadcasted. Facebook makes it easy to join groups and connect with others hat hold the same interests and like options on what’s posted on Facebook.
Identification and Professional Image Construction
Identification (Armando)
Table of Contents
Identification is a self-referential description that provides a contextually appropriate answer to the question "Who am I?" or "Who are We?" It is the way in which people and organizations define themselves based on their personalities, concepts, and fundamental values.Personal Identification:
Personal identity is one’s unique sense of self. It is the self composed set of attributes that one sees in him or herself that all together create one’s self-image. The accumulated sets of characteristics and perceptions about one’s abilities, goals, and personality traits all make up one’s self concept. This type of identification focuses on the self, rather than the identity that group members see. In a collectivist organizational setting, personal identity is not as important as social identity. Often, personal preference is replaced with the identity that best suites an organization and gives the organization a better chance at succeeding. Similarly, people will sometimes abandon their personal identities to better their chances at succeeding that the individual level. The image that one portrays, whether natural or constructed, is what organizations look at when hiring new employees.
There is often a rift between individuals who try to maintain their personal identities while trying to maintain an organizational identity. The problem is the individualistic approach of preference to act as individuals rather than as group members. “In collectivist cultures, tasks will be completed by members together, bringing along the slower members. In individualist cultures, assign tasks to individuals but make sure they realize that they are part of the larger team and cannot work alone" (Duarte and Snyder).
Social Identification:
It is defined as “that part of an individual’s self-concept which derives from his knowledge of his membership of a social group (or groups) together with the value and emotional significance attached to that membership” (Sam and Berry). Some of these groups that individuals associate themselves with include (Bamber and Iyer):
- Gender
- Race
- Age
- Religious affiliation
- Socioeconomic status
These groups that individuals associate themselves all include their own rules, norms, and memberships. Like these groups, individuals also create social ties to organizations. Social identity is key to knowing one’s role in a team or group environment. One must be able to understand his or her social identity in comparison to other teammates and group members in order to fit in and make a positive contribution to the organization. Social identities are shared by group members and differentiate groups from one another. Most of the time, social identities are known to the group and understood by all.Professional Identification:
Professional identification is similar to personal identification in that it deal with individual characteristics, but it differs in its relevance to the workplace. Professional identification comprises not only of one’s personal brand but also comprises how one presents him or herself in a résumé, application, interview, or workplace. While there are many ways to present one’s personal identity, this professional identity is the collection of professional skills and accomplishments that add to a potential employee’s value to an organization.
Dr. Laura Morgan Roberts says, "People are constantly observing your behavior and forming theories about your competence, character, and commitment, which are rapidly disseminated throughout your workplace," she says. "It is only wise to add your voice in framing others' theories about who you are and what you can accomplish." It is important to have a positive professional identity because they represent the perceptions about your competence and characteristics as judged by key constituents (i.e., clients, supervisors, colleagues, subordinates). Roberts has four ways to keep a positive professional identity:
For a more in-depth discussion about Dr. Roberts' methods to maintaining a positive professional identity, click here.
Organizational Identification:
Like personal and social identification, organizations must be able to answer the fundamental questions to identify themselves and distinguish themselves. "Identity is the central, distinctive, and enduring characteristic of an organization: It is how the collective answers the question ‘who are we as an organization?’” Organizational identification not only has to do with the way an organization defines itself, but how well its employees identify with the organization. Organizational identification can also be described as a cognitive connection between the individual and the organization . Being able to agree with the organizational concept and its goals are keys to running a fluid operation that ensures that the relationship between parties is positive.
Importance of Identifying with an Organization:
When employees can easily associate with an organization, their attachment to the organization increases. This attachment leads to greater job satisfaction and decreased employee turnover. Job satisfaction is often shown through higher productivity, better cooperation between coworkers, loyalty, and commitment. Organizations look for committed employees, and those who are able to identify with them have a better chance at succeeding at the individual level and contributing to the organization as a whole. Identifying with the organization and maintaining strong relationship between employer and employee is vital in producing positive results. When an organization and its employees are able to not only coexist, but have these strong relationships, employees can identify with their employers and thrive. Michael Bamber writes, “organizational identification reflects the individual’s psychological attachment to a specific organization, and that organizational identification is associated with desirable outcomes for the individual and the organization, including job satisfaction, job involvement, and intent to remain.”
Professional Image:
Professional Image Construction (Andrew)
Professional Image Construction can be a long and intimidating process, while at the same time can become natural to others. People who have a superb image in the working world take the time to make sure they put their best foot forward. On the other hand, some may have no idea on where to start constructing their professional image. Taking the right approach will be your task to become the best that you can be. According to Susan Morem and Susan Bixler (Morem, Susan "How to gain the professional edge," BIxler, Susan "The new professional image") step by step, you can figure out what makes your professional image stand out.Evaluation
Think about what brought you to the position you are in. This will help you understand what you are doing and will lead you to what needs to be done. You may ask yourself: What is expected of you in your professional setting? A well constructed self evaluation will help you understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. Asking yourself "Who am I?" "What can I contribute?" and "What areas of my professional image can I improve on?" will go a long way in helping you become your best in the professional world.
Change can be good
If a change is needed in your professional image, don't stress. Change can sometimes be difficult, but with a positive mindset in knowing what you need, the possibilities are endless for you. Categorically, people fall into at least three types of change. There are people who are excited about any new opportunity that is presented to them while learning a little something about themselves in the process. There are also people who are unsure of investing their time into change because they believe they are already successful, and would rather spend time doing something else they feel is productive. Lastly there are people who don't see the point at all in trying to make a change due to a form of stubbornness. Which category do you fall under?
See what others see
From self evaluation comes your results. Take for example the opportunity to be filmed. As you watch yourself in a professional environment, do you like what you see? Unfortunately, many of us don't like what we see. Taking feedback from others can be taken the wrong way if it isn't on par with what we think. Your results are feedback. When people communicate with you, their responses will aid in the feedback you may need. If you don't get the feedback you want, are you going to do something about it? Look within yourself for the answer you seek. Once you do that, look outside yourself. Think of someone who brings energy to a company, and someone who doesn't. Look at those qualities and feed off of them to the best of your ability.
Non verbal cues
Without even using words, we can accomplish a lot in a business environment. For example, if we are seeking to end a task such as a corporate meeting, we may shake other members hands, which indicates that we are finished with the present task and are moving onto the next. Using hand gestures can be an important part of what you have to say. It can add color and interest, keeping others attracted to what you're saying. Sometimes we don't know what to do with our hands. Developing a bases for different gestures will ensure a natural appearance rather than a fumbled, awkward look.
Hear yourself
Sound, volume, and pitch are the best foundation for speaking. Knowing how you sound is key. Recording how you sound is a great way to improve your charisma. How you sound to yourself versus how others hear you it very different. By Following a list such as the following, you have the ability to improve what your speech sounds like
Diction: Pronounce sounds and word correctly
Clarity: Speak clearly
Grammar: Speak using correct grammar
Slang: Avoid slang when in a professional setting
Repetitive: Try to avoid saying the same things over and over
Inflection: Control tone in certain sentences
Volume: Be loud, but not too loud
Listen: Take time to hear what others have to say
Remembering to do the little things can also contribute to your professional image. Sit and stand up with upright posture. Remembering to sit with your head up straight, with your shoulders back adds to your appearance, showing energy and profession. Making connections with people in your organization goes a long way in establishing yourself for future opportunities. This includes remembering names and job titles for reference. Lastly, there is no need to impress anyone. Many people have the belief that trying to impress others will lead them to a better image. This isn't true at all. If you are able to present yourself in a professional and natural way while staying true to who you are, you will surely go a long way in your career.
Speaking of image, what isn't being professional without having the right look. Many people overlook their psychical appeance. This is one of the most important factors to consider when constructing your image. First impression is key, and with that, you must select your clothing wisely.
First and foremost is dressing appropriately. Depending on the area of the country, your profession and style, dressing appropriate for your job is key. Whether this is a face to face meeting, or conferencing via some form of technology, choosing the right look is your foundation. (i.e videoconference) Dressing attractively is your next step. Find something that will compliment your personal style/coloring, goes well with your body, and can enhance your features. Attractiveness can even help you gain an edge when selling a potential product. (Bixler, Susan "The New Professional Image") Selecting the right color is usually the first thing others will notice. Choose a color that represents you while it helps you stand out from the crowd. Your body type should also be considered while trying to look your best. There are many options for people who may not have the perfect shape. Clothes that flatters your shape can turn your look around giving you a great appearance. All of this may sound very expensive, but in reality is not. Keep in mind your most portable asset is your image. (Bixler, Susan "The New Professional Image") When you put an effort into your appearance, people will notice. Using your resources wisely will enable you to pic up the wardrobe you need. Stay away from unusual colors, expensive name items that don't fit your wardrobe, uncomfortable fabric, and sizes that don't fit you. Be smart, and you will find yourself a wardrobe that says you.
Social Networking (Keisha)
Twitter
Social Networking Website
Twitter is social networking website that allows for the sharing of information instantly and at your finger tips. As a user you have 140 characters to freely express your interest and media content. Most importnantly through Twitter the users have the capablity to share, links, blogs, videos and pictures to their followers and other users. With the accessibility of cell phone applications Twitter proceeds to grow with more than 195 million users.
Professional Identification
Various businesses use Twitter in order to connect to their users and business partners. Twitter gives businesses the opportunity to recieve instant feedback as well as to promote new products and ideas to their followers. It also allows business users to share ideas and keep current in what is taking place now. Businesses from Disney to The New York Times all have accounts that also allows futures engineers or writers to promote their work.Social Networking sites such as twitter allow individuals to have professional identities that can be shared with in a group or network. With a strong standing of users which include corporate businesses, celebrities, authors, and individuals alike it progresses social networking within 140 characters. According to the New York Times Article, Putting Yourself Out There on a Shelf to Buy, social media websites like Twitter allows you to self construct your own professional image and publicly brand who you are as an individual and fully express your creativity, ability, and goals while giving you the opportunity to build up your net-worth.
Social Identification
The membership with Twitter allows for social group identification. It shows relation with in interests, gender, and age.Media events such as The Super Bowl and NBA Playoffs allows for males and fans to socially converse through their tweets. Users are able to relate to their social interests while receiving instant feedback through accessibility through twitter phone applications
Facebook
Social Networking Website
Facebook is a social networking website that generates more than 500 million users and more than 150,000 users daily. According to the Times article The Future of Facebook, The main theory is real connections in the world. Connecting your friends, family and co workers and collectively share your interests and information. Its also the perfect vessel for advertisers to communicate with consumers naturally. Leaving Facebook to be the sixth most trafficked site in the United States.
Professional Identification
With the widespread demographic of a social networking website such as Facebook there are many ways that your personal page can affect your professional identification and affiliation. Websites like has 8 tips to obtaining a professional image:
With thousands of Businesses utilizing Facebook, your Facebook page can be seen as an informal resume. The professionalism and representation is very affective and accessible to businesses and managers and the option of defacing the business and your co workers are possible. Relevant instances have occurred to firing workers because they have not obtained their professional image and example is the New York Times article Company Accused of Firing because of Facebook Post. An employee was fired after criticizing her supervisor on her Facebook page.
Social Identification
As a social utility Facebook connects your friends, family and co-workers. Your page allows you to express your self-perception through your photos, updates, and wall posts. It also gives the opportunity to self-construct depending on what you want to be seen and broadcasted. Facebook makes it easy to join groups and connect with others hat hold the same interests and like options on what’s posted on Facebook.References
Relevant Articles: