Authenticitydoing

Authenticitydoing is an emerging term describing the deliberate practice of acting in ways that are perceived as authentic within social, organizational, or digital contexts. It treats authenticity as something that can be demonstrated through ongoing behavior rather than claimed as a fixed inner attribute. In this view, authenticity is not merely a feeling but an observable style of action.

Core features include consistency between stated values and visible actions, transparency about motives and limitations, and a willingness to acknowledge mistakes. Practitioners cultivate self-awareness to align choices with declared principles and to adapt communications in response to feedback while maintaining core commitments. Authenticitydoing also emphasizes attentiveness to audience context and cultural norms, recognizing that what counts as authentic can vary across communities.

Contexts and applications span leadership, branding, and marketing, as well as personal development and social media presence. For organizations, authenticitydoing often involves aligning mission statements with everyday decisions, sharing decision-making rationales, and publicly addressing missteps. For individuals, it can mean disclosing imperfect aspects of their story, showing the work behind decisions, and engaging audiences in dialogue.

Critics caution that authenticitydoing can slide into performative authenticity if overemphasized, turning genuine self-expression into a calculated impression management tactic. Others note that perceptions of authenticity are subjective and culturally contingent, creating potential mismatches between intention and reception. Despite these concerns, authenticitydoing remains part of broader conversations about ethical communication, leadership credibility, and brand trust.

Related concepts include authenticity, authentic leadership, transparency, and impression management.