That Is Not in My Job Description: Using Photo-Elicitation and GIFs to Study Work Perception (Poster 7)

• In Event: Nomadic Visual Inquiries: Explorations in Visual Methodologies Across Disciplines and Paradigms

Abstract

Purpose
Through working, individuals form a work identity and a perception of that identity. Their outlook is impacted by factors such as level of skill, job tasks, public perception, and placement within organization hierarchy. The purpose of this inquiry will be to explore the methodology of photo-elicitation as a way to better understand how individuals perceive their work and their perceptions of how others perceive their work.
Theoretical Framework
Work identity (WI) is a significant part of adult identity and impacts how people think about and perform their expected responsibilities (Walsh & Gordon, 2008). It is defined as a “self-concept that reflects the situatedness of [specific professional skills and capabilities] in the context of specific work tasks” (Popova-Nowak et. al, 2009, pg.1) WI is significant because it connects people to their work and workplace and can have a negative or positive influence on work-related constructs like learning, behaviors, values, and commitment to work.
Method
This paper explores photo-elicitation (PE) and specifically graphics interchange format (GIF) as a tool to generate rich data about participant’s work lives. GIFs are a mainstream digital file format that are considered “dexterous, malleable, and versatile” (Miltner & Highfield, 2017, p. 2). They are compact and “have a better ability to express emotions compared to still images” (Yang et. al, 2019, p. 1). Photo elicitation with GIFs allows for choice in media with which participants have comfort and knowledge. Some of the questions this paper explores includes access to technology and media platforms, comfort with digital media, and methods of conducting an interview with GIFs. participants share and make meaning of their lived experiences. The media for this study is
Results and Scholarly Significance
This study offers a unique and digital forward means for organizations and educators to understand how workers perceive the work they spend a significant time performing. Miscenko and Day (2015) state “there is a dynamic interaction between identity and work environments such that they influence each other reciprocally” (p.16). Better understanding work identity can lead to increased well-being (Bryan and Nandi, 2018) and positively impact outcomes connected to job motivation, job performance, and worker retention.

Author

• Laronda Brown, University of Georgia