Playing by the rules of academia? The impact of an international research project on the professional identity development of early-career academics in sport management

The purpose of this study is to examine how participating in an international research project (IRP) can impact the way early-career academics (ECAs) perceive academia and thus their professional identity development. Based on neoinstitutional theory, we autoethnographic memory stories six ECAs within sport management who participated (IRP). These experienced important socialization process into institutional logics academia. We found that academics' perception doing was influenced by reflection processes prevailing organizational field benefit from IRPs as they foster ability develop career decisions will them personally professionally. paper highlights opportunities contributing transferable skill development for concludes with recommendations doctoral students educators.