Creating Future Leaders? - An Analysis of the Sense-Making of Trainees

Abstract: The number and popularity of graduate trainee programmes has recently increased rapidly in Sweden, while few studies have been conducted on the participants, leading to an incomplete understanding of what implications the programmes have for trainees. We analysed the sense-making of trainees based on a qualitative research design from an interpretative tradition. Data was gathered through 15 semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using a hermeneutical approach. We found that the trainees experience their situation as being part of a unique and privileged group, while also expressing views of being under pressure. Moreover, the experiences of trainees strengthen their belief that they can become future leaders, however, the road taking them towards leadership is characterised by ambiguity. This thesis contributes to the existing literature by illuminating the intersection between newcomer socialisation and leadership. Departing from an interpretivist standpoint, we offer a novel way of looking at the phenomenon of trainee programmes through the eyes of the trainees, adding understanding to functionalist studies within the field. Our study adds practical contributions for trainees and organisations by providing nuance to the overwhelmingly positive image around these programmes.