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<strong>Orientation:</strong> The main focus of the study was to answer the question: ‘Who am I at work?’ in a post-apartheid South African organisation.<p><strong>Research purpose:</strong> The aim of the specific research questions was to determine which life sphere and life role elements, and which work-based identity facets were significant in forming work-based identity.</p><p><strong>Motivation for the study:</strong> The findings of the study will enable the formulation of an integrative definition of work-based identity applicable to the South African context.</p><p><strong>Research design, approach and method:</strong> Qualitative data was collected by means of unstructured interviews with 29 employees representing a range of job titles, levels and demographics in a large South African manufacturing company. A grounded theory approach (open and axial coding) was used to analyse the data.</p><p><strong>Main findings:</strong> Distinctive individual self-definitions and a number of common themes integrating social and personal identity perspectives emerged from the data. These themes provided a sound basis for the proposed integrative model to define work-based identity.</p><p><strong>Practical/managerial implications:</strong> The findings of this research will assist human resource practitioners to develop training interventions and management strategies for the potential enhancement of work-based identities. This will result in a more engaged and harmonised workforce.</p><p><strong>Contribution/value-add:</strong> This was the first study of its kind to identify and delineate significant work-based identity elements for the formation of a work-based identity within a South African work context.</p><p><strong>How to cite this article:</strong><br /> Lloyd, S., Roodt, G., &amp; Odendaal, A. (2011). Critical elements in defining work-based identity in post-apartheid South Africa. <em>SA Journal of Industrial Psychology/SA Tydskrif vir Bedryfsielkunde, 37</em>(1), Art. #894, 15 pages. doi:10.4102/ sajip.v37i1.894</p>