The impostor phenomenon as a double-edged sword: An intraindividual attribute framing theory of workplace impostor thoughts and creativity

Abstract: Research on the impostor phenomenon—or “workplace impostor thoughts”—portrays such thoughts as undermining creativity: Individuals who believe others overestimate their capabilities are presumed to be less creative. Initial theorizing, however, suggests a more complex reality: Impostor thoughts can sometimes precede both creative lows and highs. We develop a within-person theory explaining how and when impostor thoughts can enable or inhibit creativity. We argue that impostor thoughts have opposing effects depending on how individuals construe them. When construed positively—as signals to rise to the occasion—impostor thoughts foster task-focused attention that enhances creativity. When construed negatively—as reminders of not measuring up—they fuel rumination-based distraction that impairs creativity. We test our theory in two experiments and two experience-sampling studies featuring comedians, executive MBAs, and employees (n = 3,748 observations from 1,062 individuals; two studies in the appendices). We discuss implications for theory on workplace impostor thoughts and creativity.

Keywords: impostor phenomenon; creativity; framing effects; internal conflict; organizational behavior; experiment; experience sampling