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“That is Not What I Live For”: How Lower-Level Green Employees Cope with Identity Tensions at Work

Author

Listed:
  • Susanne Blazejewski

    (Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, Chair for Sustainable Organization and Work Design, 53347 Alfter, Germany)

  • Franziska Dittmer

    (Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, Chair for Sustainable Organization and Work Design, 53347 Alfter, Germany)

  • Anke Buhl

    (Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, Chair for Sustainable Organization and Work Design, 53347 Alfter, Germany)

  • Andrea Simone Barth

    (Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, Chair for Sustainable Organization and Work Design, 53347 Alfter, Germany)

  • Carsten Herbes

    (Institute for International Research on Sustainable Management and Renewable Energy, Nuertingen Geislingen University, 72622 Nürtingen, Germany)

Abstract

Research on green identity work has so far concentrated on sustainability managers and/or top-management actors. How lower-level green employees cope with identity tensions at work is, as yet, under-researched. The paper uses an identity work perspective and a qualitative empirical study to identify four strategies that lower-level employees use in negotiating and enacting their green identities at work. Contrary to expectations, lower-level green employees engage substantially in job crafting as a form of identity work despite their limited discretion. In addition, the study demonstrates that lower-level green employees make use of identity work strategies that uphold rather than diminish perceived misalignment between their green identities and their job context.

Suggested Citation

  • Susanne Blazejewski & Franziska Dittmer & Anke Buhl & Andrea Simone Barth & Carsten Herbes, 2020. "“That is Not What I Live For”: How Lower-Level Green Employees Cope with Identity Tensions at Work," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-23, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:14:p:5778-:d:386091
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nic Beech & Robert MacIntosh & Peter McInnes, 2008. "Identity Work: Processes and Dynamics of Identity Formations," International Journal of Public Administration, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(9), pages 957-970.
    2. Paillé, Pascal & Raineri, Nicolas, 2015. "Linking perceived corporate environmental policies and employees eco-initiatives: The influence of perceived organizational support and psychological contract breach," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 68(11), pages 2404-2411.
    3. Justin M. Berg & Adam M. Grant & Victoria Johnson, 2010. "When Callings Are Calling: Crafting Work and Leisure in Pursuit of Unanswered Occupational Callings," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 21(5), pages 973-994, October.
    4. Anke Buhl & Susanne Blazejewski & Franziska Dittmer, 2016. "The More, the Merrier: Why and How Employee-Driven Eco-Innovation Enhances Environmental and Competitive Advantage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-17, September.
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