Abstract

Most studies point to the calculative aspects determining the commitment to business/work organizations. This paper argues that expression of the “self” contributes to collective work efforts in addition to cost-benefit calculations. The study is conducted of 19 individual interviews. The data analysis was based upon the “analytic induction” approach. Results showed that in business/work organizations there are opportunities for expressing identities, but they are limited and related to the job and organization. The commitment is expressed mainly in statements of intention to stay in the organization. Conclusions are offered regarding the importance of the expressions of the entire range of identities—social, role, and personal. Expression of the “real-self” will lead to the developing an identification with the organization and contribution to the organization beyond the “call of duty”.