New study suggests impostor syndrome is a 'systemic issue'
Having a competitive workplace culture can fuel feelings of impostor syndrome among employees, a new study from the Australian National University (ANU) has found.
Impostor syndrome refers to a psychological condition that causes self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.
While the condition has long been regarded as a personal flaw, the ANU researchers point out that "impostor feelings" may also be fuelled by competitive workplaces.
According to the study, a competitive work culture brings out a tendency among employees to compare themselves to higher-performing colleagues, which can fuel impostor syndrome.
"Our findings more broadly underscore that the impostor phenomenon is not simply a 'syndrome' that individuals bring to their workplaces," the study read.
"Instead, these insecurities are formed and shaped by the discernible values of one's organisation and their concomitant experiences within that environment."
A 'systemic issue'
Professor Michelle Ryan from The Global Institute for Women's Leadership at ANU said the findings make it clear how workplaces can foster impostor feelings through competitiveness and unrealistic expectations.
"What we're seeing is a systemic issue – one that disproportionately affects women and minoritised groups in environments that pit colleagues against one another," said Ryan, a co-author, in a statement.
The study said it hopes to support efforts to create effective interventions that can reduce impostor syndrome at work.
"Our research suggests that instead of focusing on how individuals (often women) should overcome their struggles with the impostor phenomenon, organisations could play a vital role in mitigating this problem by setting out policies and organisational values that discourage internally competitive practices," the report read.
"Thereby, organisations could foster healthier and more inclusive workplaces."
