Leader Role Crafting and the Functions of Leader Role Identities

Abstract

This article explores how experienced leaders address an inherent tension between leader role expectations and leader role identities when they enter a new position. Building on analysis of interviews with leaders in intrarole transition, role, and identity theories, we suggest they engage in a process of leader role crafting. We present four sets of role-crafting strategies which aim to influence the development of leader roles, and show how leader role identities both facilitate and impede the use of these. The article contributes to the leadership literature by extending contemporary perspectives on dynamic roles and role identities, while shedding light on an important challenge for today’s leaders who are faced with a particularly ambiguous and demanding role that is always in the making. The study also adds to practice by suggesting ways that leaders can engage in leader role crafting in a more reflexive manner.