A sustainable career for interim managers: the role of career communities. Issue 4 (17th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hennekam, Sophie; de Becdelièvre, Pauline; Grima, François
• Is Part Of: Personnel review. Volume 51:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 1277
• Page End: 1297
• Publication Date: 2021-05-17
• Subjects: Sustainable career -- Career communities -- Interim manager -- Project work -- Career -- Career support; Personnel management -- Periodicals; 658.3005
• DOI: 10.1108/PR-09-2020-0670
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0048-3486

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This study examines how the collective construction of career sustainability takes place through a career community of interim managers. Design/methodology/approach: We draw on 31 interviews with interim managers who are part of a career community in the form of a professional association of interim managers in France. Findings: The findings show the importance of career communities as a vehicle through which to create a sustainable career. More specifically, we show that occupational career communities provide mutual and reciprocal career support, collective being and belonging through sense-making as well as collective learning leading to the collective creation of a sustainable career. Originality/value: We add to the literature on sustainable careers by providing a collective community-level analysis and make a theoretical contribution by using the concept of career communities in shedding light on the career sustainability of interim managers. In the light of the increase in non-standard forms of employment, career communities might become an interesting vehicle for career management and development.