NEGOTIATING IDENTITY : BETWEEN THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OCCUPATION

Abstract

In this study, the work situation of the two selected airlines is explored to examine how the occupational role and the organizational demands shape the flight attendants' identity. Situated between the organization and the occupation, * flight attendants negotiate their identity. Social, occupational and organizational variables that impinge on, alter and problematize both identities are investigated. The research question addresses why and how one identity may or may not feature more saliently than the other. Three components of social interaction, as postulated by McCall and Simmons (1978), which can shape the salience of the both the organizational and the occupational identities are selected for this study. They are: i) The degrees of self and social support available for the identity. ii) The degree of commitment to and investment in the identity. iii) The extrinsic and intrinsic gratifications associated with the identity. It was found that the identity associated with less positive attributes was superceded by the identity that is more in keeping with one's view of him/herself. An understanding of how identity derived from one's work is negotiated holds practical sociological value for organizations that have a material interest in promoting organizational identity amongst members. * Flight attendant, cabin crew, flight steward/stewardess and cabin attendant will be used interchangeably in this study.