A study of the relation between impostor phenomenon and self-esteem among management students

Abstract

Background: Impostor phenomenon is an internal feeling where one doubts their abilities and accomplishment and feels like a fraud. It is very common feeling among the management students. It is desirable for the management students to have high self-esteem and low impostor phenomenon in order to become successful mangers or leaders. This study was carried out among the management students to determine impostor phenomenon and its association with self-esteem. The study also includes the association of impostor phenomenon with number of hours sleeping, GPA and age. Methods: The present study is correction study and was conducted among 386 management students. Clance impostor phenomenon and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used to assess impostor phenomenon and self-esteem. Data was collected through google forms. Results: Impostor phenomenon and self-esteem was found to be inversely correlated (r=-.794). There is no significant relation found between age and the impostor phenomenon. There was no significant relation between the Gpa and total number of hour sleep and impostor phenomenon. Conclusion: A significant negative correlation between the impostor phenomenon and self-esteem among the management students. The students with stronger impostor characteristics had lower self-esteem and vice versa. High Impostor phenomenon characteristics and lower self-esteem is unfavorable for a manager. Measures to increase level of confidence and self-esteem should be implemented.