Authenticity at work

Abstract

Authenticity at work, loosely defined as the degree to which an individual stays true to their core self, has impact on workers in the workplace. This thesis shows that authenticity at work can be measured with a reliable and valid instrument: the IAM Work. Furthermore, results of this thesis show that high levels of authenticity at work related is to high levels of in-role performance, work engagement, and job satisfaction. Conversely, low scores on experienced authenticity at work are associated with higher levels of burnout, boredom, and stress. Interestingly, the results show that the adverse effects of feeling inauthentic at work are more important than the possible benefits of feeling authentic at work. Practical implications are discussed in the thesis. Conclusion The present thesis is among the first to investigate the concept of authenticity at work. The findings presented here suggest that authenticity at work is a promising concept for research and practice in the field of work and organizational psychology. We successfully developed a short and reliable measure of authenticity at work (the IAM Work), showed possible adverse effects of not feeling authentic at work on well-being, and shed first light on the role of authenticity in a work-specific environment. All in all, the present thesis provides a strong foundation for further research using the concept of authenticity at work.