Managerial identity work: A systematic literature review with a conceptual model

Abstract

Abstract The concept of managerial identity work (MIW) has been studied for two decades and is aptly recognized as a vital part of organizational life. Since MIW applies to each manager regardless of their seniority, it attracts researchers eager to apply theoretical frameworks to business scenarios collected from the whole managerial cohort. This systematic review contributes to the literature on MIW by accumulating and analyzing 55 empirical articles on the subject. Based on a synthesis approach, the findings point to eight first-order themes influencing MIW, namely, the identity of first-time managers, the identity of experienced managers, management development programmes, blurred identity, identity work as a medium, external perceptions of identity, creation of preferred identity, and the identity of minorities. These are later integrated into second-order themes such as knowledge, awareness, motive, and privilege, which allows for the creation of a conceptual model explaining the relation between the themes. Therefore, this study not only summarizes the existing research on MIW but also suggests to scholars and practitioners which factors impact managerial identity shaping; thus, what requires attention when seeking managerial identity development. The review includes a summary of the countries and industries in which MIW has been studied and lists the journals that published the reviewed articles. Additionally, it outlines avenues for future research, one of them in association with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations. JEL Codes: D21, D23, M53