Work-Life Identity among Academic Physicians

• In Event: 256 - Section on Organizations, Occupations and Work Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 12. Overwork and Work Schedule Control

Abstract

While studies of elite professionals have highlighted the importance of specific demographic characteristics on work-life balance, less discussion has been given to whether and how work and life are understood as discrete commitments to be balanced in the first place. This study focuses on the experiences of academic physicians from an elite Canadian university by integrating two theoretical frameworks that speak to the effects of institutional structures on the formation of academic physicians' identities. Coser’s articulation of greedy institutions suggests that some institutions require total commitment from their members, thus enabling the prioritization of institutional demands over participation in other, non-work spheres. Identity theory focuses on individuals within an institution and seeks to explain and understand the importance of group membership and work roles as sources of self-esteem. For this study perceptions about work-life identity among a sample of academic physicians at early and later career stages were critically examined through documentary evidence and data collected from participant observation of an orientation session for new faculty as well as transcripts from 7 focus groups. Findings suggest an outright rejection of the idea that work and life can or should be equally balanced. Through integration of theoretical work regarding the concept of greedy institutions and identity theory, this study suggests that competing commitments can best be addressed through mechanisms that allow individuals to create their own "normal" and have implications for later life career transitions.

Authors

• Michelle Pannor Silver, University of Toronto

• Sarah A Williams, University of Toronto

• Celeste Pang, University of Toronto