INVESTIGATING ORGANIZATIONAL BELONGING AND ENVIRONMENTAL IDENTITY IN NATURAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Abstract

In comprehensive natural infrastructure projects, like the restoration of coastal wetlands, forest management, and floodplain reclamation, the psychological characteristics of team members often influence the cohesion and sustainability of the projects. This research addresses the combined effects of organizational belonging and environmental identity on workforce engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ecological stewardship in natural infrastructure contexts. We employed a mixed-methods approach to gather information from 142 experts in multi-agency ecological restoration projects in several river basin regions. Quantitative methods measured perceived belongingness to the organization and affective identification with the landscape/nature under management. Qualitative interviews revealed team members' perceptions of alignment (or conflict) in their roles and environmental values. The findings illustrate the effects of environmental identity on strengthening cooperative behaviors and emotional resilience, especially among field engineers and site planners exposed to ecological unpredictability. On the other hand, absence of organizational belonging resulted in verbal disengagement and communication silos regarding adaptive planning. The paper suggests human resource policies and project management frameworks that strengthen psychological safety and place-based environmental engagement. This research contributes to the design of a sustainable workforce and the enduring resilience of ecological infrastructure initiatives in sensitive contexts.