When narcissism drives project champions: A review and research agenda

•This paper investigates the potential impact on projects of narcissism in champions.•Narcissism is a psychological state characterized by high self-regard and personal aggrandizement.•Narcissistic behavior of individuals can impact operational initiatives, including new project ventures.•We examine the impacts of narcissistic behavior on project selection and governance.•Challenges and suggested methodologies for studying narcissism and championing behavior are also discussed.

Narcissism is a psychological state or personality disorder that is characterized by high self-regard and desire for personal aggrandizement. In an organization setting, narcissistic behavior of individuals can impact a number of operational initiatives, including new product development and other project ventures. As many projects in an organization receive sponsorship from key executives, the question must be considered: do narcissistic behaviors in project champions have any impact on the selection and governance of these projects? The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential impact on projects of narcissism in project champions. In particular, the impacts of narcissistic behavior on project choices and project governance were investigated. Propositions for future research are presented. Challenges and suggested methodologies for studying narcissism and championing behavior are also discussed. Finally, we offer an agenda for future research.