Investigating The Relationship Between Impostor Syndrome and Work Efficiency, by Exploring The Moderating Role of Social Support.

The present study examined the relationship between imposter syndrome and work efficiency among 320 employees in the private IT sector, investigating the moderating role of social support (appraisal, belonging, tangible, and total support). Imposter syndrome, characterized by persistent self-doubt despite success, poses a psychological challenge, while work efficiency is crucial for organizational success. The study employed validated survey scales to measure imposter syndrome, work efficiency, and social support. Correlation and moderation analyses were conducted. Results indicated that social support significantly moderated the relationship between imposter syndrome and work efficiency. Specifically, appraisal support (B = -0.00267, p = 0.007), belonging support (B = -0.00449, p < 0.001), tangible support (B = -0.00278, p = 0.025), and total social support (B = -0.00162, p < 0.001) reduced the negative impact of imposter syndrome on work efficiency. The direct effect of imposter syndrome on work efficiency was not consistently significant, but employees with higher social support exhibited better work performance. These findings suggest that fostering a supportive work environment can mitigate the negative effects of imposter syndrome, enhancing employee well-being and productivity.