Why Do People Create Professional Identities? Essay Example

align themselves. (Ibarra, 1999)

The use of SIM strategies can improve one's professional image through either increasing association with positively stereotyped social identity groups or decreasing cognitive correlation with negative stereotypes related to one's social identity group (Roberts, 2005). Additionally, it is possible to create professional identities on the internet with the assistance of branding consultants who charge a fee to market one's professional self. Personal branders use online identity information such as search engine results and details on sites like MySpace along with tools like the 360Reach exercise to determine which core attributes will be most effective in promoting the brand (Lee-St. John, 2006).

Examining the reasons for creating professional identities in the context of globalization, we must first list the possible methods. Globalization refers to the interconnection of individuals and locations through advances in transport, communication, and information technologies. This convergence of political, economic, and cultural spheres causes businesses and investment funds to expand beyond domestic or national markets into worldwide markets. As a result, people are prompted to establish their professional identities within their working lives as one of the primary drivers of globalization.

The speed of data dissemination across boundaries has drastically increased due to recent advancements in information and communication technology. Information, knowledge, and expertise previously restricted within specific boundaries, like a community or nation, can now easily spread. Despite the rising awareness of globalization, opinions regarding its advantages and drawbacks remain controversial. Supporters argue that globalization enables economic progress globally, benefiting both developed and developing countries with opportunities like free trade. The efficient allocation of resources fosters higher employment levels, domestic output, and standards of living for developing countries. However, critics

contend that instead of balancing resource allocation and economic growth between developed and developing nations, globalization widens income gaps between countries and within the same country.

Although there are benefits to improved living standards and increased domestic production, the downside of increased pollution on land, waterways, and in the atmosphere is a concern. Nonetheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that globalization has also impacted professional identities by facilitating the spread of information, knowledge, and expertise across borders. This implies that individuals can conveniently obtain guidance on appropriate dress codes, behavior, and conduct for professionals from various sources like books, magazines, or the internet.

Perusing both digital and physical resources can provide a plethora of guidance that shapes one's perspective, offering valuable understanding on how professionals should comport themselves and aiding individuals in forming their own viewpoints. In today's globalized world, it is essential to continually learn and utilize knowledge in order to stay abreast of dynamic trends. To prepare for job interviews, for instance, one can consult these sources for direction on appropriate dress and nonverbal communication.

The article demonstrates how globalization contributes to the advancement of knowledge regarding professional image, resulting in the formation of individual professional identities. Additionally, social perceptions play a significant role in shaping these identities through positive or negative views and opinions held by various communities and socially defined groups. When a group has a favorable reputation, its members are motivated to establish professional identities that reflect the values and ideals of their community.

Having a positive outlook can enhance one's professional reputation because it increases the likelihood of forming favorable impressions. Negative attitudes towards a group may require its members to counteract negative perceptions.

Social recategorization may be used to improve social mobility by changing the associated stereotypes of professional incompetence, which can pose a significant threat to one's image (Roberts, 2005).

Instead of focusing on countering negative perceptions, an alternative strategy is to highlight the positive qualities of a group. This can lead to a reevaluation of individual status and the development of a better professional image, according to Roberts (2005). Professional identities are also influenced by societal views and can be used to maintain or change opinions about individuals. Furthermore, career expectations may contribute to the creation of professional identities.

Various professions necessitate appropriate attire for employees, according to the occasion or even a specific dress code, in order to represent the company positively and improve its reputation. Additionally, employees are expected to exhibit exemplary behavior and passion in their respective fields of work. Usually, management briefs new employees about these expectations and standards before their first day of work. An example of this is United Overseas Bank (UOB), which requires its credit card promoters to wear UOB shirts provided by the company along with black skirts or pants. This mandate aims to impress potential customers with a professional image and potentially encourage them to apply for the company's credit services.

Moreover, if an employee's job duties and responsibilities change, they may need to alter their professional identity. This is because gaining new skills, attitudes, behaviors, and communication styles can lead to significant changes in how an individual perceives themselves (Ibarra, 1999). For example, a staff member promoted to a managerial role may begin wearing formal suits at work to reflect their higher position and to make a more professional

impression on clients and senior management.

Creating a professional identity is necessary for individuals to meet the demands of their job or career, and it is closely linked to their work performance and capabilities. A person's professional image indicates their position in the company and their strengths in their field, especially for those in higher management who often interact with clients or corporate partners outside the office.

The reason why businesses strive to create a positive impression on their customers and partners is to ensure favorable outcomes in meetings. Being able to project oneself as a skilled and experienced professional is highly valued by colleagues, superiors, subordinates, and clients. This is essential for individuals who strongly associate with their job as it impacts their self-consistency and career development. In an increasingly competitive society, creating an easily definable and appealing image is vital to stand out, according to Lee-St. John (2006).

It is important for individuals to create professional identities in order to maintain a good professional image which is strongly linked to their work performance and competence. Globalization plays a major role in this necessity as it allows for the rapid transmission of information and ideologies across nations, leading to situations where society's perceptions, job demands, and work expectations are influenced. The perceptions of individuals and community groups are shaped, while the corporate sector sets standards for employees and colleagues, superiors, subordinates and clients form judgments about one's work performance and capabilities.

It is crucial to acknowledge the interconnection between four elements that play a role in shaping professional identities. Although each factor has varying effects on identity formation, they are closely related. Nevertheless, there could be multiple additional

factors affecting professional identity development besides those mentioned here, including family background. Additionally, while this discourse predominantly examines external influences, it is vital to note that individuals may also shape their own identities by striving to present themselves positively to others.

According to Ibarra (1999), while external influences have a significant impact on creating a professional image, it ultimately depends on an individual's personal discretion and choice. People interpret and act on demands based on their self-conceptions and aspirations for the future. Therefore, even if external factors heavily influence the creation of professional identities, it may not apply if someone chooses not to pursue it. Personal beliefs can either aid or hinder the process of establishing a professional image.

The development of professional identities is influenced by various factors such as globalization, societal views, career expectations, and job performance. It should be acknowledged that external influences have their limitations because individual perspectives and attitudes may conflict with them. Besides, other unknown elements could also shape professional identities. Therefore, it's vital to examine the overall circumstances before reaching any definite conclusions.