Discovering the Project Manager Identity : Construct Versus Acquisition

Abstract: Aim and Background: This study aims to explore and answer how the Project Manager Identity is constructed and/or acquired from a social science, behavioristic perspective. On this account eleven project manager professionals and scholars have been selected to participate, due to their rich experience in the field and their highly exciting profiles as to share insights and knowledge. Theory: The theoretical frame of this study adopts personality dimensions as explained by Kajonius and Dåderman (2020), that is, Extraversion, Negative Emotionality (neuroticism), Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience. These are used due to their high degree of reliability and validity compared to other models. Method: The method used to conduct this study is an hour-long interview with each and every one of the interviewees to collect the data. Internet technology applications are used enabling, for the most part, an easier way to handle the planning interview process. The method used to analyze the data is a qualitative, inductive thematic analysis based on interviews and connected to the theoretical frame to reach results. Result and Conclusion: As a result, a Project Manager Identity Archetype emerges from the eleven interviewee narratives that reveals the identity of these Project Managers who strive for peak performance, are endlessly curious and possess a strong psychological shield. These three named themes above describe the Project Manager Identity Archetype of these eleven interviewees who are resilient against high pressure exerted by their work environment or project demands, focused to achieving their goal described as high performers while at the same time navigating into the project unknown by being endlessly curious. Their Project Manager identity is formed in a continuous infinity spiral process both by construct and acquisition, through an exchange between Individual identity and Project Manager Identity Archetype; two perspectives which coincide in a construct (micro) and acquisition (macro) symbiosis to merge information from both sides to form the interviewees’ Individual Project Manager Identity.