In this study, differences in identity dimensions was examined, as have the association
between identity and psychological well-being across different South African ethnocultural
groups, with a particular interest in the Coloured group. A total sample of 403 employees
completed measures of identity and psychological well-being. The identity measures were
comprised of: Erikson Psychological Stage Inventory; Multi-Ethnic Identity Measure;
Religious Identity Measure Short version; and an adapted Utrecht-Management of Identity
Commitments measure for Work Identity. The well-being measures included; The General
Health Questionnaire; the Satisfaction with Life Scale; and the Utrecht Work Engagement
Scale. The study was quantitative in nature and the results from the Multivariate Analysis of
Variance (MANOVA) indicated that there were differences in identity at work: a) Personal
identity was less important for the Coloured group compared to the Black and White groups.
b) Ethnic identity was more important for the Black group compared to the Coloured and
White group. c) Religious identity was higher for the Coloured and Black groups than the
White group. d) Work identity was found to be highest in the White group, with the Coloured
group demonstrating moderate levels and the Black group the lowest levels. In the structural
equation model in which the association between identity and psychological well-being was
assessed, it was found that most identity dimensions are indicative of a latent identity factor,
except for religious identity, which seemed important only for the Coloured group. It was
concluded that although there may be mean differences for identity, the role of identity for
psychological well-being seems quite similar. Identity seems to be an important aspects of
employee well-being.