Antecedents and Consequences of Employee Envy

Abstract

This study investigates the complexity of employee envy, encompassing both benign and malicious forms, and its significant impact on workplaces. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the factors contributing to envy and its outcomes for fostering healthier work environments and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Extensive literature highlights envy's prevalence due to competition for rewards, resources, and recognition, resulting in negative consequences such as reduced performance and job dissatisfaction. Remedies like assessing emotional maturity during hiring and promoting participative management are proposed. Data from 185 employees in the IT and Education sectors in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is collected, revealing demographic insights and the coexistence of benign and malicious envy, each influenced by distinct factors. Notably, benign envy can motivate enhanced performance and productivity. Recommendations include fostering a culture of healthy competition and nurturing employee self-esteem. Understanding and managing employee envy is crucial for organizational success, offering valuable guidance for addressing its causes and harnessing its potential benefits. Continued exploration in this field is encouraged.