Publication Date

2025

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Jennifer Smith, Holly Payne, Jieyoung Kong

Degree Program

Department of Communication

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

Organizational Identification research is well established and explores the concept of individual oneness to a larger human collective yet often focuses on traditional types of work. Seasonal work carried out by National Park Service (NPS) employees is a non-traditional form of work entirely dependent on the organization's needs in a particular season, typically summer. Literature regarding seasonal work often focuses on types of hospitality organizations, rather than the NPS. This study sought to understand how the unique situation of seasonal workers may have influenced their identification with multiple organizational targets. Through qualitative interviews with 12 individuals who have been seasonal NPS employees within the last 12 months, themes surrounding professional, organizational, and workgroup identity emerged, along with how identification may be shaped by socialization and unique characteristics of the seasonal lifestyle. Findings indicated that seasonal NPS employees generally identified more with their work and the Park Service organization at large, rather than individual parks or workgroups. Socialization occurred in two distinct parts; at the NPS organizational level and with specific park workgroups. The seasonal lifestyle additionally influenced participants' identification with various targets, due to benefits such as flexibility and challenges such as instability. Finally, this paper explored theoretical implications, practical applications, and limitations as future directions for research.

Disciplines

Communication | Organizational Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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