Career advancement is a crucial aspect of professional development, but sometimes employees may find themselves on a plateau, feeling stuck and frustrated in their current roles. This phenomenon, known as career platform, is becoming more prevalent in today’s workplace due to factors like slower job creation and increasing automation. Researchers have started to explore the impact of career plateau on employee behavior, specifically focusing on counterproductive working behavior.
A recent study by Jain & Chhabra (2024) delved into the relationship between career plateaus, offensive supervision, and counterproductive working behavior. The researchers collected data from 290 employees across four organizations, examining how career plateaus and perceptions of offensive supervision influenced employees’ engagement in counterproductive behavior. The results revealed that employees experiencing career plateaus were more likely to exhibit counterproductive behavior when they perceived their supervisors as offensive.
Interestingly, employees with a strong sense of commitment to their current role, feeling trapped and unable to progress, were more prone to retaliate against offensive supervision through counterproductive actions. On the other hand, employees who were deeply embedded in their roles, showing loyalty and connection to their organization, were less inclined to engage in counterproductive behavior. Instead, they displayed feelings of resignation and helplessness, reflecting their reluctance to retaliate against offensive supervision.
To address the challenges posed by career plateaus and their impact on employee behavior, organizations should take proactive steps to support their employees’ professional growth and well-being. Some practical recommendations include engaging in open dialogues with employees about their career aspirations, providing opportunities for upskilling and multiskilling, fostering strong connections in the workplace, offering continuous training for supervisors to promote a supportive culture, and holding supervisors accountable for their role in addressing deviant behavior.
In conclusion, understanding the dynamics of career plateau and its influence on employee behavior is essential for creating a positive work environment and ensuring the well-being of employees. By implementing strategies to support career growth and addressing issues related to offensive supervision, organizations can foster a healthy and productive workplace culture.
Reference:
Jain, V., & Chhabra, B. (2024). Career Plateau and counterproductive working behavior: a moderated moderation model of offensive supervision and track coverage. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 32(4), 662–680.
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