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Under threat: emotional and behavioral responses to occupational identity threat

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 October 2021

Na Yang Open the ORCID record for Na Yang [Opens in a new window]  and
Ruoyong Zhang Open the ORCID record for Ruoyong Zhang [Opens in a new window]
Na Yang
Affiliation:
School of Business, Renmin University of China, No. 59 Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100872, China
Ruoyong Zhang*
Affiliation:
School of Management, Lanzhou University, No. 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
*
Author for correspondence: Ruoyong Zhang, E-mail: ryzhang@lzu.edu.cn
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Abstract

Research on identity threat has predominantly focused on the consequences of threat to some ascribed or involuntary identities, while overlooking individuals' responses to occupational identity threat. Integrating identity theory with identity threat literature, we argue that encountering occupational identity threat promotes negative emotion and feedback-seeking behavior, and negative emotion further mediates the relationship between occupational identity threat and feedback-seeking behavior. Moreover, individuals' performance self-esteem strengthens both the direct effect of occupational identity threat on negative emotion, and the indirect effect of occupational identity threat on feedback-seeking behavior through negative emotion. The results from two experimental studies and one field study provide support for these predictions. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.

Keywords

Occupational identity threatnegative emotionfeedback-seeking behaviorperformance self-esteem
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 29 , Issue 3 , May 2023 , pp. 464 - 480
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2021

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