Hybrid manager-professionals' identity work: The maintenance and hybridization of medical professionalism in managerial contexts

G. Mcgivern, G. Currie, E. Ferlie, L. Fitzgerald, J. Waring

Research output: Contribution to journalSpecial issuepeer-review

159 Citations (Scopus)
351 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We examine the ‘identity work’ of manager–professional ‘hybrids’, specifically medical professionals in managerial roles in the British National Health Service, to maintain and hybridize their professional identity and wider professionalism in organizational and policy contexts affected by managerialist ideas. Empirically, we differentiate between ‘incidental hybrids’, who represent and protect traditional institutionalized professionalism while temporarily in hybrid roles, and ‘willing hybrids’, who developed hybrid professional–managerial identities during formative identity work or later in reaction to potential professional identity violations. Questions about willing hybrids' professional identities led them to challenge and disrupt institutionalized professionalism, and use and integrate professionalism and managerialism, creating more legitimate hybrid professionalism in their managerial context. By aligning professionalism with their personal identity, and regulating and auditing other professionals, willing hybrids also position hybrids collectively as elite within their profession.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)412-432
Number of pages21
JournalPublic Administration
Volume93
Issue number2
Early online date23 Jan 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2015

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