Wikipedia
Self-authorship is defined by Robert Kegan as an "ideology, an internal personal identity, a self-authorship that can coordinate, integrate, act upon, or invent values, beliefs, convictions, generalizations, ideals, abstractions, interpersonal loyalties, and intrapersonal states. It is no longer authored by them, it authors them and thereby achieves a personal authority."
Self-authorship is distinguished from the broader subject of self-evolution. Self authorship is only a single phase of development within the lifelong process of self-evolution. Instead of depending on external values, beliefs, and interpersonal loyalties, self-authorship relies on internal generation and coordination of one's beliefs, values and internal loyalties.
Self-authorship spans over three dimensions: cognitive, intrapersonal and interpersonal. It is based on theory involving adult learning and gaining of knowledge with the product of self-authorship including learning and growth. The concept of the "object" and the concept of the "self" make up self-authorship. One is not born with self-authorship. There are steps to attain self authorship which include following external formulas, then crossroads and eventually obtaining self-authorship. There are elements of self-authorship that include trusting the internal voice, building an internal foundation and securing internal commitments.
Not every experience is an experience where one can work towards self-authorship. The experiences that help guide people to self-authorship are called developmentally effective experiences. These experiences allow for others to look at the world around them and search deep within themselves in order to figure what their opinions are as to why and how these opinions to be shaped. In addition, these experiences allow for the person to rely on one's internal beliefs in order to make decisions.
Also, cultural factors also play a role in developing self-authorship. In general African Americans, identity dissonance in relational dissonance are catalysts in the development of self-authorship. However, for Caucasian Americans, only identity dissonance is a catalyst in the development of self-authorship.