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Shaping Managerial Identity Using Live-Action Role-Play: Non-Western Perspectives

Lichy, Jessica, Zhai, Yuan and Watson, Derek (2025) Shaping Managerial Identity Using Live-Action Role-Play: Non-Western Perspectives. journal of Management Development. ISSN 1758-7492

Item Type: Article

Abstract

Purpose– This study reports the findings of a phenomenographic study exploring the use of live-action role-play (LARP) through the lens of managerial identity development.
Design/methodology/approach– We employ a contextualised approach involving participant observation and auto-driven Photo elicitation interviews (PEI) to collect data from a cohort of early-career managers, aged 19–30, employed at a high-tech company in China.
Findings– Two key insights reveal LARP as an innovative tool for management development, demonstrating
(1) its positive influence on developing managerial identity development, while extending its effects to
participants’ real-life identities and (2) the urgent need for policymakers to regulate LARP game organisers with ethical guidelines, age limits, duration restrictions and content certification.
Originality/value– Theories of management development derived from Western experiences and ideologies of the 20th century may not explain or address managerial identity development in non-Western countries. This study contributes insights that can inform non-Sino managers intending to work in China or with Chinese managers and therefore has relevance for academics and practitioners worldwide.

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Depositing User: Derek Watson

Identifiers

Item ID: 19219
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-09-2023-0268
ISSN: 1758-7492
URI: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/19219
Official URL: https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/0...

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for Jessica Lichy: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-7091-9448
ORCID for Derek Watson: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-1944-3544

Catalogue record

Date Deposited: 08 Sep 2025 11:25
Last Modified: 08 Sep 2025 11:25

Contributors

Author: Jessica Lichy ORCID iD
Author: Derek Watson ORCID iD
Author: Yuan Zhai

University Divisions

Faculty of Business and Technology > School of Business, Management and Tourism

Subjects

Business and Management > Business
Business and Management
Culture

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