Finding the “I” in “Team”: The role of groups in an individual's pursuit of calling

Extant literature on work as a calling is primarily focused on individual factors. The role of social context, particularly the groups to which individuals belong, is largely unexplored despite the importance of others in the construction of meaning and the central role of groups in the organization of work. We seek to address this conspicuous gap by exploring work groups as a rich and relevant context in which individuals engage in the evaluative experiences inherent in the pursuit of calling. In so doing, we integrate research on calling with research on social identity theory and optimal distinctiveness in groups to present a conceptual typology of groups and calling. Our typology crosses the calling dimensions of search and presence with the identity motives of belonging and distinctiveness reflected in the group context, proposing six classifications of individual experiences of calling in these social contexts. Finally, we suggest practical considerations for individuals and groups in each of these classifications to help individuals satisfy unmet needs in identity motives related to calling, and to ultimately improve success in pursuing callings.