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

Abstract

This article presents a systematic review of Managerial Identity Work (MIW) literature, the ongoing process through which managers shape, negotiate, and redefine their professional identities in response to organizational, societal, and personal pressures. By synthesizing 61 empirical studies based on the PRISMA methodology, eight central themes within MIW are identified: identity work of first-time managers, identity work of experienced managers, management development programs, external perceptions of identity, blurred identity, creation of preferred identity, identity work as a medium, and identity work of minorities. These themes are further integrated into aggregate dimensions—knowledge, awareness, motivation, and privilege—culminating in a conceptual model that elucidates the relationships between them. This study not only consolidates the extant literature but also provides a framework for understanding the key factors shaping managerial identity formation. By mapping the geographical and industrial contexts of MIW research, this review uncovers gaps in the literature and proposes directions for future inquiry, particularly regarding MIW’s implications for leadership development, organizational culture, and managerial legitimacy.