There has been considerable commentary in recent years around the benefits of authenticity at work. This narrative suggests that when we’re able to be authentic at work, we’re usually happier and more productive, which is evidently a positive thing. The flip side of that, of course, is that when we’re not authentic, it’s universally bad.
Research from the University of Waikato begs to differ, and argues that even times when we’re inauthentic can help to craft the narrative we tell about ourselves. As such, even those inauthentic moments can be beneficial in the long run.
Rough with the smooth
The researchers sent out a number of questionnaires that asked participants to reflect on their level of authenticity at work. The results reveal that we do tend to view past displays of authenticity in a way that enhances not only our sense of identity but also our self-knowledge.
“Data from the past decades has provided strong support for this view by demonstrating that authenticity is positively related to engagement in work and to well-being in general, and is therefore of distinct value for individuals, employing organizations and society at large,” the researchers explain.
Our memories of past experiences help us to develop a sense of continuity as well as coherence with something known as our “self-concept”, which is our idea of ourselves that is formed according to our beliefs.
“For example, a memory of the past may be used to determine the extent to which one has changed or developed over time,” the researchers explain. “This evaluation is seen as providing a link between ‘who I am now’ and ‘who I was then,’ creating a coherent developmental understanding of sometimes discrepant behaviors or attitudes.”
Inauthentic memories
Interestingly, however, even inauthentic actions can also benefit us, as when we think about those times whereby we have not been true to ourselves, the act of thinking provides an adaptive function within our overall life story.
Each time we recall being inauthentic, it helps us to navigate through any situations we’re facing in the present, while also helping us to improve our problem-solving skills. Indeed, they may even help to guide our future behaviors towards a more authentic outcome.
“By clarifying these memory functions, we hope to have provided the basis for developing future interventions that may improve authenticity and well-being,” concludes the team.
