Thirteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

The concept of professional identity, while complex, provides a framework for professionals to construct their own ideas of how to be, how to act, and how to understand their work and place in society, through the interplay of their substantive and situational selves. This research explores how seafarers express and negotiate their professional identity within both a professional community and a hierarchical organisational culture. Although much work has been done on the role of communities of practice and professional identity in education and medicine, little has been applied to the maritime industry. A local exploratory case study approach, using interpretive inquiry, was adopted to develop understanding of this socio-cultural phenomenon. Data were analysed using an inductive, thematic approach. Of particular note to this study was the interaction of imposter syndrome and professional identity, and the implications for professional development. As a result of this study, a theoretical model was constructed to develop an advanced understanding of the concordance between role and self. Despite being a small scale study, the model has resonance and transferability to similar groups as they negotiate their professional identity in changing and demanding roles.