Underworked and overpaid
Publication date: 14 February 2020
Issue publication date: 18 March 2020
Abstract
Theoretical basis
The purpose of this paper is to help readers better understand the psychological impact of employees feeling underutilized in the workplace.
Research methodology
The case is based on primary data collected from Jonathan and describes his actual experience in the workplace. Mark also provided input on the situation. Because Jonathan and Mark are still employed in the same institution, the names have been disguised to protect their identity.
Case overview/synopsis
Jonathan is a highly motivated and successful employee who was promoted into a position that had no real responsibility. His manager would not restructure the job to make it more challenging or rewarding, so after three years of frustration, Jonathan has to decide if he should keep trying to fix the job, coast until retirement or resign.
Complexity academic level
This case is applicable for undergraduate business courses in organizational behavior, principles of management, principles of human resource management or leadership.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Disclaimer. This case is intended to be used as the basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a management situation. The case was compiled from primary data.
Citation
Lilly, J. (2020), "Underworked and overpaid", , Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 97-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/TCJ-06-2019-0059
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited