Professional identity and organizational identity in the “Care professions”

Abstract

Identity is a central element used to define the individual and help them position themselves in relation to others. It is a subjective psychological experience influenced by internal and external factors. In the field of caregiving, the distinction between ‘profession’ and ‘professional’ is significant, with the latter being more inclusive by considering any worker who performs their duties with knowledge and skill, regardless of their qualification level. For professional identity to have its optimal effect on commitment and performance among care professionals, it should be maintained within a moderate range. Since much of caregiving is provided within or through an organization, professional and organizational identities should ideally complement each other. Professional identity encompasses the values, beliefs, skills, and behaviors associated with a specific profession, while organizational identity focuses on the values and beliefs that define and differentiate an organization from others. However, as we tend to identify more easily with groups where we spend more time and work more directly, conflicts between these two identities can arise. Therefore, it is important to establish strategies to align professional and organizational identities. Strengthening organizational identity, facilitating professional identity, and promoting a dual identity are strategies that, when applied simultaneously, contribute to both professional and organizational identification. These strategies allow employees to integrate and balance both identities, reducing conflicts and enhancing their commitment to the organization.