TY - JOUR

T1 - Intraindividual variability in identity centrality

T2 - Examining the dynamics of perceived role progress and state identity centrality

AU - Tripathi, Neha

AU - Zhu, Jinlong

AU - Jacob, Gabriel Henry

AU - Frese, Michael

AU - Gielnik, Michael Marcus

PY - 2020/8

Y1 - 2020/8

N2 - Conventionally, identity centrality has been conceived of as a stable and transsituational construct, with situational variability in identity centrality treated as being of little informational value. In contrast to past research, we develop a theoretical model arguing that a portion of within-person variability in identity centrality is systematic and meaningful. Drawing on identity control theory, we examine the withinperson relationship flowing from perceived role progress to state identity centrality, which is conventionally viewed as reverse causal at the between-person level. We further explain the intermittent effect of an intense positive emotion-passion for the role-and investigate the contingent effect of in-role effort. The results from 2 repeated-measures studies showed that a significant proportion of total variance in identity centrality occurred at the within-person level and perceived role progress influenced state identity centrality by engendering passion for the role contingent on in-role effort. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for management and organizations to inspire new intellectual debate and novel viewpoints to advance the microfoundation of identity theory.

AB - Conventionally, identity centrality has been conceived of as a stable and transsituational construct, with situational variability in identity centrality treated as being of little informational value. In contrast to past research, we develop a theoretical model arguing that a portion of within-person variability in identity centrality is systematic and meaningful. Drawing on identity control theory, we examine the withinperson relationship flowing from perceived role progress to state identity centrality, which is conventionally viewed as reverse causal at the between-person level. We further explain the intermittent effect of an intense positive emotion-passion for the role-and investigate the contingent effect of in-role effort. The results from 2 repeated-measures studies showed that a significant proportion of total variance in identity centrality occurred at the within-person level and perceived role progress influenced state identity centrality by engendering passion for the role contingent on in-role effort. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for management and organizations to inspire new intellectual debate and novel viewpoints to advance the microfoundation of identity theory.

KW - Entrepreneurship

KW - Business psychology

KW - within-person effect

KW - effort

KW - passion

KW - progress

KW - identity centrality

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85076338851&partnerID=8YFLogxK

UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/77545b95-358e-3fd5-b3ae-c3995486018f/

U2 - 10.1037/apl0000465

DO - 10.1037/apl0000465

M3 - Journal articles

C2 - 31789552

VL - 105

SP - 889

EP - 906

JO - Journal of Applied Psychology

JF - Journal of Applied Psychology

SN - 0021-9010

IS - 8

ER -