Being Rather Than Becoming Managers: Dilemmas Facing Event First Level Managers

Abstract

Significant research into the development of managers and leaders primarily focuses on the development of middle to senior managers. This could explain why there is little research into the development of first level managers (FLMs), and in the events industry, there is no evidence of research into UK event first level managers (EFLMs). This research aims to broaden understanding around what training UK EFLMs receive and the type of managerial styles and competencies training they undertake when commencing their managerial careers. The findings suggest that EFLMs get no or very little formal management development. Despite this lack of training, EFLMs are already enacting preformed approaches, not necessarily the most appropriate, when managing event teams and these managerial styles are based mostly around previous workplace experiences. These findings assist EFLMs and those involved in event HR managerial and leadership training to capitalize on EFLMs being, rather than becoming, event managers.