Demystifying Overconfidence at Work

Abstract

Modern organizations are characterized by diversified workforce, resulting in the multiplicity of attitudes and behaviors among members. There are those who have penchant for arrogating unrealistic competences to themselves either ignorantly or as personal impression management strategy.  Given this understanding, this study conceptually reviewed the concept of overconfidence at work and the dangers and gains associated with it. After a critical literature exploration, it was discovered that overconfidence is an invasive behavior driven by three different forces in the individual which must be subdued in order to have a realistic understanding of self-competence. Based on this, we conclude that overconfidence is not a healthy cognitive phenomenon and should be avoided at the workplace because it brings nothing but half way gains, irreparable damage and embarrassments in the long term.