Managerial identity development across the age-spectrum from an ideal self and values perspective
Journal of Management Development
ISSN: 0262-1711
Article publication date: 31 August 2021
Issue publication date: 12 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate professional identity development among management professionals through the lens of the ideal self and personal values.
Design/methodology/approach
Detailed career vision essays based on the ideal self and personal values of 48 participants ranging in age from 22 to 54 were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. A theory-based classification of their personal values, collected through a survey, was also conducted as a supplemental analysis.
Findings
The visions of older management professionals were less career-oriented, more holistic, involved in a greater multiplicity of career roles, had more clarity and placed higher emphasis on work–life balance and on developing others. The older participants also reported having fewer self-enhancement values.
Originality/value
The findings demonstrate the relevance of the ideal self as a lens to study identity development and advance our understanding of professional identity development in the context of modern careers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author wish to acknowledge the helpful comments of Richard Boyatzis, Melvin Smith, and Ellen Van Oosten, on the study design and earlier drafts of this paper.
Citation
Dhar, U. (2021), "Managerial identity development across the age-spectrum from an ideal self and values perspective", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 40 No. 6, pp. 574-583. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-01-2021-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited