Selective incivility shapes identity and organizational identification

What the study found: Highly skilled ethnic minority employees developed impression management behaviors in response to selective incivility, and these behaviors were linked to identity strengthening and organizational identification. The study also found that ethnic minority identity is shaped by racialization, but to different degrees across individuals.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that selective incivility can be perceived as a stronger threat to identity for some ethnic minority employees, and that the way workers respond may shape how they identify with their organization.
What the researchers tested: The study used in-depth interviews with 21 highly skilled ethnic minority employees working in different sectors in the Netherlands. It examined impression management behaviors developed in response to selective incivility and their relation to ethnic identity strengthening and organizational identification orientations.
What worked and what didn't: The findings indicate that ethnic minority identity is shaped by processes of racialization, but unevenly across participants. The study also suggests that impression management behaviors in response to selective incivility contribute to identity strengthening and shape organizational identification.
What to keep in mind: The abstract describes a qualitative interview study of 21 participants in the Netherlands, so the findings are based on that sample and context. Other limitations are not described in the available summary.

Key points

• The study looked at 21 highly skilled ethnic minority employees in the Netherlands.
• Participants developed impression management behaviors in response to selective incivility.
• The findings suggest these behaviors were linked to identity strengthening and organizational identification.
• Ethnic minority identity was described as shaped by racialization, but to different degrees across individuals.
• Selective incivility was perceived as a stronger identity threat for some participants.