Abstract

This symposium aims to address the mechanisms through which alternative, potentially conflicting identities may enhance motivation, performance and well-being at work, and investigates their role as individuals go through transitions as part of their work life. It brings together four papers which focus on the interplay between pairs of identities which may be in conflict, and explores how constructive ways of dealing with identity conflict can facilitate adjustment and increase well-being and performance. The first two papers take a specific look at multiple identities, focusing on career transitioning processes for migrant workers and expatriates, and explore the interplay between pairs of identities that can facilitate or prevent adjustment. The second and third paper take a broader perspective and consider pairs of identities relevant to the performance and well-being of working women and working individuals in general, focusing on the enriching effects of leisure identities and the inherent conflict between gender and leader social identities. Together, the four papers included in this symposium provide novel ideas for understanding how alternative identities may conflict or be complementary, and aim to increase our understanding of the role of multiple identities for work-relevant outcomes such as adjustment, performance, and well-being.