The trick to managing this tense relationship was communication.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) researchers have uncovered a surprising tension at the heart of workplace innovation: while organisations depend on fresh ideas to stay competitive, innovative employees may unintentionally trigger feelings of envy in their managers.
The study, Interpersonal Consequences of Employee Innovation Behavior, reveals that this emotional response can undermine team dynamics and weaken support for the very creativity companies are trying to encourage.
"Innovation, for a company, is extremely important because it increases competition. If your company doesn't innovate, you can't adapt to the changing needs of your customers or clients, and you won't be able to solve problems proactively," ECU Professor of Business Psychology, Irene de Pater said.
"Because innovative behaviour is so important, a supervisor might see it as a threat when an employee engages a lot of those behaviours, compared to themselves. Depending on the personality of the supervisor, they could see it as an opportunity to share in the glory and celebrate the achievement or feel threatened by the behaviour."
Professor de Pater said that the trick to managing this tense relationship was communication.
"Being collaborative in your innovation is the key to maintaining a good working relationship with a manager that might become envious. Having their input and support for your ideas would go a long way managing this issue."
Professor de Pater noted that feelings of jealously within a workplace can arise from a range of factors, from an employee's past experience or prestigious education to their career achievements or rapid progression. These perceptions, even when unspoken, can shape how managers respond to high-performing staff, influencing opportunities, support and the overall team environment.
"Often times employees have a difficult time managing their relationship with their manager, and they could feel like their accomplishments are overlooked at a particular job. Envy could be a big driving factor behind this," she said.
"As an employee, if you are aware of this dynamic, you can manage your supervisor's behavior towards you."
