Towards an understanding of identity and technology in the workplace

an article by Mari-Klara Stein, Robert D Galliers and M Lynne Markus (Bentley University, Waltham, MA, USA) published in Journal of Information Technology Volume 28 Issue 3 (September 2013)

Abstract

Despite the ubiquitous presence of information technology (IT) in the workplace and the continued computerisation of all kinds of work practices, investigations into how IT artefacts play a role in professional identity construction remain rare. Existing studies tend to emphasise sense-making and discourses around IT.

This study attempts to fill some of this gap by offering an empirical investigation of how IT artefacts play a role in professional identity enactment at a back office of a Big 4 accounting firm. Building on the socio-technical school of thought and the concept of self as storied, the paper offers a complementary perspective to existing views on the role of IT in identity formation.

Our findings reveal that IT artefacts become part of professional identity performances by acting as landmarks in individuals’ self-narratives around which the self and others are positioned and a preferred professional identity is enacted. The findings also indicate that different types of preferred selves may be expressed in specific patterns of technology use. As such, our study contributes to a better understanding of professional identity construction, workplace behaviour and ongoing use or non-use of IT at work.

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