Being the ugly duckling in the workplace

A narrative inquiry

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21652215
AutoresMuhammet TORTUMLU (0000-0002-7245-1017, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi, autor correspondente)
Ano2025
Páginas1-20
Data de publicação2025-12-11
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoInternational Journal of Organization Theory and Behavior (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1093-4537 • E-ISSN: 1532-4273
EditoraEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/ijotb-04-2025-0104
OpenAlexW4417216761
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas63

Purpose This study examines the emotional and behavioral experiences of an individual who struggled to adapt in the workplace due to choosing an incorrect career path. The aim is to offer a novel perspective on person-organization fit and person-job fit theories, supported by social cognitive career theory. Design/methodology/approach Narrative research method was chosen as the method in the study. Within this scope, interviews were conducted with 6 individuals, and 1 person who met the criteria was selected. The participant is 38 years old and lives in Turkey. The 3-year period in which the participant experienced adaptation problems in their work life was examined in depth. Findings The findings reveal that socio-economic factors significantly influence job and organizational choices, and that the individual's unawareness of misfit with the organization leads to exclusion, emotional difficulties and behavioral challenges. This situation is explained through the “Ugly Duckling” metaphor, shedding light on adaptation problems experienced during the early stages of a career. Research limitations/implications Due to the chosen method, the results may lack generalizability; therefore, the propositions should be further tested. Practical implications The paper provides practical implications for understanding employee behavior in greater depth and highlights the importance of adaptability in achieving positive organizational outcomes. Originality/value This research provides an opportunity to explore the issue of employee adaptation from a different perspective in depth

Adaptability · Cognition · Narrative · Narrative inquiry · Participant observation · Higher Education and Employability · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior · Organizational Downsizing and Restructuring