Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.30924/mjcmi.30.2.9
Lucky cheaters: understanding the Hungarian professional environment effects of the impostor syndrome
Zsófia Ásványi
; University of Pécs Faculty of Business and Economics
*
Eszter Barakonyi
; University of Pécs Faculty of Business and Economics
Bernadett Riedelmayer
; University of Pécs Faculty of Business and Economics
Anett Uhrin
; University of Pécs Faculty of Business and Economics
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
In psychology, impostor syndrome refers to a cognitive distortion that prevents individuals from experiencing a genuine sense of accomplishment in relation to their work performance. The condition was first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, who initially believed it to be a phenomenon primarily affecting women. However, subsequent research has shown that impostor syndrome impacts approximately 70% of employees at some point in their careers. This study examines the prevalence of the phenomenon among the surveyed workers, identifies who is most affected, and explores its impact on individual performance and career development. Another important objective is to determine the extent to which the syndrome hinders or, conversely, motivates individual performance. The research was based on a questionnaire survey conducted in spring 2022 among Hungarian employees. The survey assessed the prevalence of impostor syndrome by gender, age, and education level. Respondents were also asked about the age at which the phenomenon first appeared, the number of years of work experience since its onset, and its perceived impact on their job performance. The data were analysed using cross-tabulation and statistical testing. The results indicate that impostor syndrome remains present in 86.4% of respondents, while only 13.6% reported that it has diminished with age and work experience. The phenomenon primarily affected women with a university degree, for whom it represented a persistent and ongoing sense of internal anxiety. The intensity of impostor syndrome tends to decrease with age and experience, showing a mild to moderate effect over time. Overall, the findings suggest that the syndrome may have a slightly positive effect on performance, as its inhibiting influence tends to weaken with increasing age. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the manifestation of impostor syndrome within the Hungarian labour market and its implications for job performance. Moreover, they establish a foundation for future international comparative studies, enabling analyses across different cultural and economic contexts. Future research could expand the sample size, explore sectoral and regional specificities, distinguish between managerial and non-managerial roles, and examine the characteristics of impostor syndrome among younger workers (under 25) who are at the beginning of their careers.
Ključne riječi
impostor syndrome; internal anxiety; work performance; experience of success
Hrčak ID:
342032
URI
Datum izdavanja:
25.9.2025.
Posjeta: 432 *