Interpersonal Outcomes of Religious Identity Management at Work

• Published in: Journal of management studies Vol. 58; no. 8; pp. 2207 - 2239
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Afra S., King, Eden, Lindsey, Alex, Sabat, Isaac, Phetmisy, Cassandra, Anderson, Amanda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.12.2021
• Subjects: authenticity; Behavior; field experiment; Group identity; Identity management; Management; Religion; Religious cultural groups; Religious identity; selection; Social groups; Social identity; Workplaces
• ISSN: 0022-2380; 1467-6486
• DOI: 10.1111/joms.12758

Despite potential positive intrapersonal outcomes of expressing important aspects of identity, people fear its negative interpersonal consequences. Two complementary studies with triangulating methodologies explore the interpersonal implications of a full range of religious identity management behaviours, from concealing to ardently revealing religion in the workplace. A field experiment manipulating religion and identity management behaviours demonstrated that ardently revealing a religious affiliation improved interpersonal reactions across religious groups. A complementary virtual experiment suggested that the effects of revealing behaviours (whether in relation to one’s religion or another social identity group) on interpersonal reactions were explained by enhanced perceptions of authenticity. Together, these findings provide robust evidence that being open about social group memberships can result in positive interpersonal experiences.