Factors influencing shared identity formation and the role of shared identity in pro-ject teams

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the factors shaping shared identity among project team members and to examine the perceived role of shared identity in project team functioning. The study employed thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. The sample (n=15) consisted of employees from Russian companies who were either currently involved or had recently completed work on a project team at the time of the study. The analysis identified 11 key factors contributing to the formation of shared identity: clear project goals and objectives, the project's significance for the entire organization, the uniqueness of the project's goals and tasks, material benefits of participation, personal interest in the project, career development opportunities, the relevance of project outcomes for future work, regular project team meetings, visible results of the team’s collective efforts, visible contributions of individual team members, and a personal sense of responsibility. Additionally, mixed attitudes towards the role of shared identity within teams were revealed. Some respondents noted that shared identity helped in their work, while others indicated that it could hinder team functioning or have no effect at all. The value of this research lies in the fact that previous studies on shared identity within project teams primarily focused on organizational perspectives. This study contributed by adding psychological aspects to the topic. Furthermore, we managed to detail existing and researched factors that influence shared identity and highlight new factors that did not fit into these classifications. Based on the findings, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• Shared identity in project teams is primarily shaped by the nature of the task being addressed. Beyond organizational factors, an individual’s identification with the team is largely determined by the perceived value of the project.
• The formation of shared identity occurs through the fulfillment of individual needs, the structure of communication and project management, and the characteristics of the task itself.
• Given the central importance of the project task, the cognitive aspect of identity takes precedence over affective or behavioral components.