The hidden costs of workplace inauthenticity: insights from facades of conformity

Purpose This study investigates the impact of the facades of conformity (FOC) on burnout, turnover intention, moral disengagement and social loafing among banking professionals. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected by using a survey technique from 452 white-collar banking professionals in Istanbul, Turkey. Findings FOC is positively related to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, turnover intention, moral disengagement and social loafing. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, as the subdimensions of burnout, partially mediate the relationship between FOC and turnover intention. Further, moral disengagement partially mediates the link between FOC and social loafing. Research limitations/implications The study can be expanded to other countries to investigate how culture affects the dynamics of FOC on the concepts analyzed in this study. Practical implications FOC yields significant consequences for both individuals and organizations, regardless of whether employees stay or leave the organization. Consistently participating in such behaviors may eventually exhaust human psychological resources, resulting in burnout and heightened turnover intentions. Moreover, FOC can lead to cognitive erosion that may result in undesirable outcomes such as moral disengagement and social loafing. To reduce these outcomes, organizations should emphasize individuality, promote authenticity and embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Originality/value This is the first study to posit the undesirable consequences of FOC, regardless of whether employees intend to stay or have turnover intentions. This study connects FOC to burnout, turnover intention, moral disengagement and social loafing, while revealing crucial mediators, illuminating the hidden psychological and behavioral consequences of workplace inauthenticity. It highlights the ongoing dangers of FOC-oriented societies and emphasizes the need for authenticity, inclusivity and wellness within organizations.