LINKING THE IMPOSTOR PHENOMENON TO WORKPLACE INNOVATION: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The paper is a critical assessment of the relationship between the impostor phenomenon (IP) and innovation in the work place. It is a summary of the knowledge base of 29 of the chosen articles published between 2009 and 2025. The paper is a mixture of PRISMA practices and a systematic review methodology to describe the main findings and variables to establish the value of impostor feelings in the context of innovative work behavior (IWB). The PRISMA system will support the clear and comprehensive data search and selection. Various theories, contextual backgrounds, and methods that have been applied in the past in the study of this matter include quantitative surveys and qualitative studies. The discussion indicates that the impostor phenomenon is generally found to have a negative correlation with the innovative work behavior but contingent on organisation, psychological and contextual elements. The main mediators are self-efficacy, psychological safety, and emotional exhaustion. The moderators are also institutional and leadership that increase or suppress the effect of impostors on workplace innovation. The paper has some weaknesses in the form of potential publication bias and predominantly Western-centric research. The review is a compilation of the existing works, critical analysis of the same, and comparison of the results in order to assist organizations, leaders, and individuals to create environments that allow them to achieve genuine innovation.