Brooches, trinkets and pendants: how remote workers use symbols to represent their identities

Gustavo Rubert Rodrigues, Bruno Felix
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21529/RECADM.2021006

Abstract

The objective of this work is to understand the use of symbols for representing the identity, as made by professionals whose work takes place in the workplaces of their clients and other stakeholders or in places combined with these for the performance of professional activities. The premise adopted in the present work is that the symbol would currently be used in the work environment, intentionally, as a communicative element. This premise is aligned with foundations found in the field of social psychology. After conducting semi-structured interviews with employees of public and private organizations, we developed a grounded theory. Through the two central categories (expression and reminder of the self), we identified that these remote workers use objects with symbolic meaning (eg., brooches, car stickers, dolls and key chains), to represent aspects of their identities to others (interpersonal) and to themselves (intrapersonal). In theoretical terms, we identified that such processes produce positive effects for their work, such as mediation of interactions and self-determination.

Keywords

identity; self; symbols; remote workers

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References


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