Conceptualizing the body work of executives: A theoretical and empirical exploration

Abstract

Although there is a good deal of academic and popular interest in executive image, actual research on the embodiment of image has been sparse. In my dissertation, I explored the behavioral motivation of executives (managers and professionals) for undertaking body work to change or maintain their physical appearance. I first defined ?executive body work? (EBW) within a conceptual frame comprising three telescoping perspectives at the socio-cultural, organizational, and individual levels. A scale measure of the concept was then developed using adult (Ns = 194 and 155) and student (N = 89) samples. Results supported a multicomponent conceptualization of EBW. EBW was found to be positively associated with perceived career success and job satisfaction. The effect of EBW on pay was moderated by the respondent?s industry of employment, but not by gender. In addition, this pay effect was moderated by certain characteristics of the job. The analyses controlled for self-reported attractiveness.