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Shared identity and strategic choice in dual‐career couples

Shared identity and strategic choice in dual‐career couples Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of a couple‐level shared identity as forming the basis for the development of dual‐career couples' strategies regarding involvement in work and family roles. A model is developed that is intended to help researchers in this area conceptualize the relationship between career choices and career progression between members of a dual career couple. Examining career development at the couple‐level extends one's understanding of how the decisions made by one member of the dyad influence the career of the other. Design/methodology/approach – In order to develop this model, the theories of cognitive interdependence and gender role ideology are examined and applied to the formation of a shared identity. Findings – Development of the model, as well as a review of the extant literature, revealed that career decisions in dual career couples are made at the level of the dyad. Practical implications – The findings demonstrate that organizations cannot view their employees in isolation, but that important transitions such as relocation, and taking on more responsibility are decisions that increasingly are made at the couple level. Employers may need to consider the dyad when offering career advancement opportunities and when implementing work‐life balance programs. Originality/value – The career progression of one member has implications for the other. Therefore, it is insufficient for an individual to have a career in isolation when the individual is part of a dual career couple. Examination of career at the dyad level will advance one's knowledge of how careers unfold. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Gender in Management: An International Journal Emerald Publishing

Shared identity and strategic choice in dual‐career couples

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2008 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1754-2413
DOI
10.1108/17542410810858312
Publisher site
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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of a couple‐level shared identity as forming the basis for the development of dual‐career couples' strategies regarding involvement in work and family roles. A model is developed that is intended to help researchers in this area conceptualize the relationship between career choices and career progression between members of a dual career couple. Examining career development at the couple‐level extends one's understanding of how the decisions made by one member of the dyad influence the career of the other. Design/methodology/approach – In order to develop this model, the theories of cognitive interdependence and gender role ideology are examined and applied to the formation of a shared identity. Findings – Development of the model, as well as a review of the extant literature, revealed that career decisions in dual career couples are made at the level of the dyad. Practical implications – The findings demonstrate that organizations cannot view their employees in isolation, but that important transitions such as relocation, and taking on more responsibility are decisions that increasingly are made at the couple level. Employers may need to consider the dyad when offering career advancement opportunities and when implementing work‐life balance programs. Originality/value – The career progression of one member has implications for the other. Therefore, it is insufficient for an individual to have a career in isolation when the individual is part of a dual career couple. Examination of career at the dyad level will advance one's knowledge of how careers unfold.

Journal

Gender in Management: An International Journal – Emerald Publishing

Published: Mar 14, 2008

Keywords: Dual‐career couples; Careers; Strategic management

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