Trapped in limbo – Academics' identity negotiation in conditions of perpetual liminality

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the experiences of permanent liminality academics and associated multidimensional processes identity negotiation. Design/methodology/approach The article draws upon a three-and-a-half-year at-home ethnography. first author – as insider, participant researcher investigated consequences an organizational redesign that pushed members local university department into situation liminality. Findings describes how simultaneously followed multiple trajectories in their negotiation response ongoing ambiguity, disorientation, powerlessness loss status. Practical implications Management decisions higher education institutions based on administrative concerns can have adverse effects for academics, particularly when such disturb, complicate or even render impossible identification processes. University managers need realize respond struggle getting lost endless quest defining who they are. Originality/value highlights dual character conditions unresolved work through simultaneous dis-identification. It further shows multidimensionality this argues perpetual is informed by notions opportunity.