When the Wild Mind Meets the Disciplined Eye: Professional Identity Development at the Intersection of Institutional Logic and Creativity
Project Description
We aim to understand the identity characteristics and personal traits that shape the careers of Michelin Star chefs and how these qualities evolve over time. A key aspect of this journey is the delicate balance chefs must navigate — the intention to fit into a recognized, prestigious system while simultaneously standing out through innovation and individuality.
Through this lens, we aim to provide insights into the professional development of successful individuals within the creative sector as a whole. By exploring these dynamic processes, we aim to shed new light on how professionals in creative fields shape, reshape and sometimes let go of their identities in response to evolving careers, industry pressures, and personal growth.
In other words, this grant seeks to study three sides of the complex journey of professional identity formation by drawing on unique datasets from the cultural and creative industries. The focus will be on three key aspects: curiosity as part of one’s professional identity, the development of professional identity, and the discarding of this identity.
