Staff pressured to 'conform' to bosses views to succeed

As a growing number of businesses tout their dedication to diversity, an intrinsic part of inclusion is thought diversity. However, it appears to have slipped in the agenda, with employees feeling that in order to succeed, they must conform with company values.

Research by the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University, found that employees who pretend to share similar values with their colleagues in order to ‘fit in’, damage their personal wellbeing and ability to engage with work.

Researcher and Associate Professor Patricia Hewlin, found that in order for employees to survive at work, they often pretend to share organisational values. This causes them to shy away from expressing their own opinions if their managers act with high integrity. Staff often feel that by conforming to the values of their leader they are benefitting the organisation. However, by suppressing their own values and views, they hinder progress for both the business and their careers.

“When people are true to themselves, they are more likely to feel connected to their work, which can enhance personal wellbeing and work performance overall,” Hewlin explains. “Managers should therefore encourage employees to voice their opinions without fear of repercussions.