Perfectionism at Work: An Investigation of Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionism in the Workplace among Canadian and Turkish Employees

Abstract

Although perfectionism has been studied extensively in clinical and educational settings, it has been relatively ignored in the work context, despite its potential effect on employee well‐being. Therefore, we examined the impact of perfectionism on work engagement, strain, and burnout using two samples of working adults from Canada and Turkey. Setting high standards was associated with higher engagement and lower strain and cynicism. However, setting high standards did not provide a unique contribution when controlling for conscientiousness, achievement striving, and achievement motivation. Perceived discrepancy between high standards and perceived performance was associated with higher levels of strain and burnout. There was a significant interaction between standards and discrepancy, such that low discrepancy was associated with lower strain than high discrepancy regardless of one's level of standards. Furthermore, high discrepancy was associated with higher strain when standards were low than when standards were high. Workers with high standards and low discrepancy (adaptive perfectionism) experienced lower strain than workers with high standards and high discrepancy (maladaptive perfectionism).

Dark Personality in the Workplace: Introduction to the Special Issue

“…Sutton () argues that there are some positive effects that dark personality can achieve (see also Henning, Wygant, & Barnes, ) and, indeed, some contributions in this special issue do look at the bright side of dark personality (Shoss et al. and Ozbilir et al.). However, we need to keep in mind that there is a difference between dark personality leading to dark behaviour and the strategic use of dark behaviour to achieve goals.…”

“…Two articles look into perfectionism, though from different perspectives. Shoss, Callison, and Witt focus on self‐directed perfectionism, whereas Ozbilir, Day, and Catano investigate other‐oriented perfectionism. Self‐directed perfectionism can be stressful for the individual (Shoss et al.); other‐oriented perfectionism can be harmful to others and is linked to a sense of entitlement (Ozbilir et al.), potentially similar to narcissistic entitlement.…”

“…According to Ozbilir et al., other‐oriented perfectionism is maladaptive as it is characterised by unreasonable standards for others and, thus, is harmful to social functioning. They examined how other‐oriented perfectionism can, in conjunction with conscientiousness, have a bright side, in the sense of contributing to helping others achieve higher standards (interpersonal citizenship behaviours, ICB).…”

Beyond the Bright Side: Dark Personality at Work

“…To some degree we were successful in achieving that aim. A number of papers in the special issue expand discussion of dark personality to include feelings of entitlement (Brummel & Parker, 2015), self-enhancement (Cullen, Gentry, & Yammarino, 2015), and perfectionism (Ozbilir, Day, & Catano, 2015;Shoss, Callison, & Witt, 2015).…”

Improvements in Mindfulness Facets Mediate the Alleviation of Burnout Dimensions

“…Hence, improvement in non-judging skills could be the key to a long-term change in one's way of seeing themselves and adjusting their behavior to support burnout alleviation. There is often a discrepancy between the personal standards and perceived performance of people developing burnout symptoms (Ozbilir et al 2015). Furthermore, low self-rated professional efficacy could lead to a situation where one refuses to rest and works even longer hours to compensate for one's perceived shortcomings.…”