Effects of Tall Poppy Syndrome on Work Performance

This study investigated the effects of Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS), a social attitude in which high achievers are resented by their peers in the workplace, on work performance indicators within a Philippine higher education institution. Using a multivariate regression analysis on data from 204 faculty and staff members, the study examined the effects of perceived tall poppy syndrome on decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and internal service quality. Contrary to expectations, TPS did not negatively affect decision-making, problem-solving, or internal service quality significantly. Significantly, the study found a strong positive relationship between TPS and creativity in that unique academic environment; thus, it may function as an ambiguous propellant for creative output. Furthermore, education level did not moderate the relationship between TPS and work performance indicators. Hence, such findings contradict the universal negative conception of TPS and illustrate how institutional culture may have a role in it. The research demonstrated that within certain academic conditions, there might be more subtle effects of TPS that would nurture creativity while not having a significant effect on other dimensions of work performance. The implications call for context-specific approaches to understanding and managing the effect of social dynamics like TPS in the workplace in the Philippines.