Outsiders, Impostors, and Equals: A Quantitative Study of Workplace Ostracism, Impostor Phenomenon, and Perceptions of Fair Treatment

The purpose of this dissertation-in-practice was to understand the relationship between the workplace cultural factors of fair treatment and ostracism, and non-profit employees’ personal experiences of impostor phenomenon (IP). This quantitative study aimed to provide non-profit sector leaders with opportunities to improve their human resources practices and positively impact employee experiences. Researchers have historically attempted to explain the causes and effects of IP in terms of the individual. In this study, IP was examined in terms of an individual’s identity as well as more expansive social and cultural factors. Traditional examinations of fair treatment and workplace ostracism were also broadened to include issues of organizational justice and perceived organizational support. The study utilized instrument-based survey questions to assess levels of impostor phenomenon, perceived ostracism, and perceptions of fair treatment in 95 employees of diverse small, midwestern, non-profit organizations. Statistically significant relationships between all three factors were identified, as well as relationships between IP and household salary, gender identity, and parental education. Acknowledging the complex intersectionality of individuals’ identities and deeply entrenched societal power structures in which individuals live and work, an integration-and-learning approach to organizational culture change was recommended. Keywords: impostor phenomenon, workplace ostracism, fair treatment, intersectionality, integration-and-learning

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Bennett, Staci, H

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Winter, Kathryn

• Fair Treatment
• Impostor Phenomenon
• Integration-and-Learning
• Intersectionality
• Organizational Leadership
• Workplace Ostracism

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://cdr.creighton.edu/handle/10504/153977

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/153977