Backstage storytelling and leadership

The backstage context of the police canteen has been identified as an important setting for officers to collectively give meaning to police work. This context is therefore of value to officers, police organizations, and their management. This article explores police storytelling during canteen breaks and the way frontline managers might position themselves during them. The empirical research at four police stations shows the differences and similarities across them. Break frequency and participation differ and storytelling very often focuses on work. Similar topics, interactional content, and dynamics were encountered at the stations. Finally, the four positions managers might occupy are presented and discussed: joining in, strict management, learning during breaks, and steering meaning.