Work it Out - A Typology of Managerial Athleticism in Professional Service Firms

Abstract: In the past years, the interest in sports and fitness among executives has increased, coining the term managerial athleticism. This qualitative study explores the phenomenon of managerial athleticism and how it expresses itself in professional service firms. By conducting semi-structured interviews with 32 partners, managers, and executives within these firms and by applying social identity theory and goal-setting theory, this thesis examines how identity, gender, and goals shape the expression of managerial athleticism. The ideal-type analysis was used to create a typology, in turn identifying 4 types of managerial athletes; Feel-goods, Fulfillment-functionalists, Health-functionalists, and Fanatics. The results show that firstly, there are different types of managerial athletes. Secondly, the managerial athletes' goals vary in terms of tangibility and connection their pursuits have to their identity. Thirdly, the differences and similarities identified create the basis for explaining how the types' training regimes differ from one another. This thesis aids in explaining the phenomenon of managerial athleticism and thereby contributes to broadening the understanding of a contemporary leadership characteristic and expression.