Chapter 4, Problem 18CR

Summary Introduction

Case Summary:

Tall poppy syndrome or feelings of envy, resentment to the people who perform well in the groups has been there for centuries. In the workplace, the efforts of the tall poppies or high performing people are undermined by the short poppies. This depends on the personality traits of the observers who judge the people. The tall poppy syndrome though is universal, differs across cultures. In some cultures, it is seen as positive, while in some cultures are more inclined to cut down the tall poppies. Efforts from both tall poppies as well as managers can help so that the group works in unison.

Characters in the case:

There are no specific characters mentioned in the discussion.

The behaviors of students of Japan, United States and Australia are mentioned in this passage.

Adequate Information:

For the coworkers, managers could augment the workgroup identity which could help them view the success of the individual as a group’s success.

In Japan, students try to cut down the high performers while in United State they reward the high performers.

To Determine:

The ways by which high performers can lessen the envy and resentful feelings towards them

Given:

The achiever’s likability affects the observer’s emotions. The feeling of resentfulness is less when the tall poppies are part of the group, they are popular and they are hard working and they have high moral.