When do employees identify? An analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal predictors of training group and organizational identification

Organizational research has shown the impact of organizational identification on employees' attitudes and behavior, and its relevance for economic success (Haslam, 2004). Furthermore, the necessity to differentiate levels of identification within organizations has been emphasized (van Knippenberg & van Schie, 2000). Little is known, however, about predictors of different identification levels within organizations and their influence on the development of identification. In a longitudinal study with training groups of flight attendants, we investigated how foci of identification (training group, organization) were differentially predicted by cross-sectional and longitudinal variables. Interpersonal attraction related to training group identification, whereas professional motivation related to organizational identification. Furthermore, expected job circumstances and professional motivation were longitudinal predictors for training group identification and organizational identification, respectively.