Understanding Professional Identification: The Role of Interprofessional Communication in the Vocational Socialization of Physicians

• In Event: Identity and Identification in Groups, Organizations, and Professions

Abstract

As physicians’ roles continue to change in the US, scholars have called for more research in health-related organizational communication to understand healthcare providers’ professional identity. Here, we examine the role of inter-professional communication—communication between physicians and other healthcare providers—in fostering professional identification. Survey results from physicians showed the unique role that mutual support plays in strengthening healthcare providers’ professional identities. This study contributes to the current communicative-based identification literature by looking beyond formal socialization practices to show how day-to-day interactions influence physicians’ identity. In addition to expanding theory, this research also adds to practice by demonstrating the need to train physicians on the importance of communication with other healthcare providers.

Authors

• Brenda L. MacArthur, George Mason University

• Stephanie Layne Dailey, Texas State U

• Melinda Morris Villagran, Texas State University