Welcome to the bright side: Why, how, and when overqualification enhances performance
Journal
Human resource management review
ISSN
1053-4822
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Abstract (De)
We nuance the overtly negative image of overqualified employees by illuminating the brighter side of overqualification. In this extension of current thinking on overqualification, we argue that there are four ways in which overqualification can positively shape the performance of overqualified employees and their fellow group members. Following their theoretical basis, we refer to these as the (1) human capital, (2) status, (3) social learning, and (4) identification advantages. For each advantage we explain the conditions under which they are likely to materialize. We also theoretically explore how the advantages relate to each other as well as to the theories outlining the potential negative consequences of overqualification, and provide an according integrative model on the Relational Effects of Overqualification on Performance (REOP). After discussing the theoretical implications and providing an agenda for future research, we close with a discussion of the managerial implications of leveraging the bright side while acknowledging the dark side of overqualification. •We identify four ways how overqualification enhances the performance of overqualified employees and their group members.•We identify mechanisms and contingencies to explain how and when overqualification leads to higher performance.•Incorporating the group context opens up many opportunities for future research.•Overqualification needs to be managed properly to reap its benefits.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Elsevier Inc.
Volume
30
Number
2
Start page
100688
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
269296