Identity regulation: towards employee control?

Purpose This paper aims to explore the dynamics of employee identity regulation within organizations. It also aims to examine the notion of control and discusses the use of identity as a medium for its exercise. Design/methodology/approach Through a review of the literature and a description of the complexities and nuances of the identity regulation process, the paper demonstrates the manner in which individual identity gets fused with organizational identity to strengthen employee identification with the organization. The compounding of this process in terms of individual differences and employee resistance is also discussed. Some propositions in this regard are advanced. Findings Evident from the discussion is that regulation of employee identities can serve as a potent yet less obvious form of organizational control. Originality/value Weaving together research in this area, the paper demonstrates the link between control and identity work. It also highlights the implications of identity regulation for employees and for organizations, and raises some questions in this regard.