Final answer:
Imposter syndrome affects employee performance by decreasing self-confidence, leading to behaviors such as disengagement, overcompensating and avoidance of challenges which can be interpreted negatively by employers. it can also impede professional growth and be worsened by unsupportive work environments. mitigation strategies include emphasizing achievements, seeking feedback and finding supportive mentors or peers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imposter syndrome refers to an internal experience of believing that one is not as competent as others perceive them to be. This phenomenon can have significant implications for employee performance in the workplace. A common outcome of imposter syndrome is the fear of being 'found out' as a fraud, which can lead to various negative behaviors such as overworking to compensate for perceived inadequacies or avoiding taking on new challenges due to fear of failure.
Employees suffering from imposter syndrome may exhibit behaviors indicative of low self-confidence, such as giving shorter responses during meetings, making less eye contact, or generally disengaging from workplace interactions. As demonstrated in the research by Hebl, Foster, Mannix, & Dovidio (2002), these behaviors can inadvertently confirm an employer's negative stereotypes, reinforcing a cycle of underperformance and discrimination. moreover, imposter syndrome can hinder professional growth. Employees may become overly nervous about performance evaluations, eschew providing constructive criticism, and undermine their own success through a lack of confidence. Emphasizing accomplishments, seeking constructive feedback, and finding mentorship or support within the organization can be important steps in mitigating the effects of imposter syndrome on performance. the workplace environment can exacerbate imposter syndrome. Factors such as few opportunities for advancement, unsupportive supervisors, and a high degree of work overload can contribute to a decline in employee performance. Also, the exertion of less effort due to lack of individual recognition within a group setting is another issue that can stem from or be aggravated by imposter syndrome.