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Can impostors thrive at work? The impostor phenomenon's role in work and career outcomes

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  • Sarah Hudson

    (ESC [Rennes] - ESC Rennes School of Business)

  • Helena González-Gómez

    (NEOMA - Neoma Business School)

Abstract

This paper examines the effect the impostor phenomenon (IP) on short-term emotions (shame) and performance (creativity and organizational citizenship behavior- OCB) at work, and on career outcomes. Previous research shows direct detrimental effects of IP on some short-term performance measures, but effects on creativity and OCB remain under-researched, and no work has investigated any career effects. Through an experimental approach (Studies 1 and 3) and an online vignette (Study 2) using working populations, we find that IP is expressed as shame in response to simulated and recalled real work events. Shame mediates the negative effect of IP on creativity, and its positive effect on OCB, and mechanistic organizational structure exacerbates the negative shame-creativity relationship. Furthermore, Study 4 uses a survey design to reveal that IP relates negatively to external employability and career success. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, we suggest that IP and shame deplete resources such that impostors suffer reduced ability to perform well at work in the short-term, with negative consequences for career success.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Hudson & Helena González-Gómez, 2021. "Can impostors thrive at work? The impostor phenomenon's role in work and career outcomes," Post-Print hal-03330558, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03330558
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jvb.2021.103601
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://rennes-sb.hal.science/hal-03330558
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jean-Pierre Neveu & Stevan E. Hobfoll & Jonathon Halbesleben & M Westman, 2018. "Conservation of resources in the organizational context : the reality of resources and their consequences," Post-Print hal-02472360, HAL.
    2. Jeffrey G. Covin & Dennis P. Slevin, 1991. "A Conceptual Model of Entrepreneurship as Firm Behavior," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 16(1), pages 7-26, October.
    3. Sacramento, Claudia A. & Fay, Doris & West, Michael A., 2013. "Workplace duties or opportunities? Challenge stressors, regulatory focus, and creativity," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 121(2), pages 141-157.
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