Embracing Indeterminacy: On Being a Liminal Professional

Abstract

The rise of the corporate profession has contributed to a more varied and ambiguous professional terrain that is increasingly seen to be indeterminate and fluid. This paper advances the current debate around the development of corporate professions, exploring how practitioners respond to this environment. Drawing on research with public relations practitioners, the paper shows how the idea of being a liminar facilitates the formation of a professional identity in conditions of high indeterminacy. In taking an individual level of analysis of professions, the paper suggests that indeterminacy is a more resonant feature for corporate professionals than previously suggested in the research, but that this indeterminacy is navigated in professional identity construction through 'being a liminar', and thus greater nuance may need to be recognized in the conceptualization of both corporate professions and corporate professionalization. It also demonstrates the use of liminality as a discursive resource in identity construction and with it, challenges the common association of liminality with self-doubt and existential anxiety. In turn, the paper considers the implications of the liminal professional identity for the future of contemporary professions, and for understanding the liminal experience.

Professional Fluidity: Reconceptualising the Professional Status of Self-Employed Neo-professionals

“…While this weakness is foremost in corporate professionalism (Collins & Butler, 2019;Muzio et al, 2011b), our findings develop those from elsewhere that individuals are sceptical of membership and, indeed, it is no longer required (Reed, 2018;Reed & Thomas, 2019). As such, and at a wider level, this paper adds to the evidence of the waning control of professional institutions and professions (Butler et al, 2012;Reed, 2018;Reed & Thomas, 2019). There is a growing appreciation in the professions literature that new contexts and demands are changing the professional landscape further (Muzio & Kirkpatrick, 2011;Smets et al, 2017).…”

“…Corporate professionalism challenges professional bodies given the co-production of legitimacy at the expense of corporate influence (Reed, 2018). Indeed, many individuals, alongside PSFs, are sceptical of membership (Muzio et al, 2011a;Reed, 2018;Reed & Thomas, 2019). For corporate professions what it means to be and who is seen as a professional is decided by the, often professional service, firm.…”

“…Drawing on 50 interviews with independent consultants, we identify the concept of professional fluidity. This is a relational approach to professional status whereby individuals adapt and blend in using a chameleon-like tactic according to market demand (Anteby et al, 2016;Maestripieri, 2019;Reed & Thomas, 2019). It stems from an ambivalence towards institutionalisation and requires alternative sources of legitimacy and validation.…”

Trapped in limbo – Academics' identity negotiation in conditions of perpetual liminality

“…However, experiences of permanent liminality do not necessarily have adverse effects (Ibarra and Obodaru, 2016; Reed and Thomas, 2019; Söderlund and Borg, 2018). Dwelling in the interstices of social structures and positions may provide the potential for identity growth as it is associated with higher degrees of freedom and less pressure to conform (Reed and Thomas, 2019).…”

“…However, experiences of permanent liminality do not necessarily have adverse effects (Ibarra and Obodaru, 2016; Reed and Thomas, 2019; Söderlund and Borg, 2018). Dwelling in the interstices of social structures and positions may provide the potential for identity growth as it is associated with higher degrees of freedom and less pressure to conform (Reed and Thomas, 2019). Therefore, Ibarra and Obodaru (2016) suggest that such “under-institutionalized experiences simply allow greater room for individual agency and latitude in identity crafting” (p. 55).…”