Work

Artisan, Advocate, Steward: A Narrative Exploration of Professional Identity and Meaningful Work in Journalism

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study challenges the view of professional identity in journalism as role-based, arguing that journalists are more than their roles. Drawing from management and organization studies, we explore how the processes of identity work and meaningfulness negotiation coevolve over the course of journalists’ careers. Through analysis of 30 Finnish journalists’ interviews, we identify three narrative identities—artisans, advocates, and stewards—and explore the coevolution patterns of identity work and negotiation of work meaningfulness associated with them. Our findings refine the distinction between roles and identities in journalism and offer practical insights for individual well-being and management issues in media organizations.

Source: Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly

DOI: 10.1177/10776990261416900

Authors: Minna Koivula, Tiina Saari, Pinja Päivänen, Mikko Villi

Institutions: University of Jyväskylä, Tampere University

Language: English

Topic: Media Studies and Communication

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900