Thinking of how you think of me: working cancer survivors' metaperceptions of competence and why they matter

Abstract

Purpose

Cancer-related stigma is a troubling challenge faced by working cancer survivors and organizations aiming to promote inclusive work environments. Research suggests that a harmful stereotype faced by cancer survivors is that the cancer survivors are low in competence. Leveraging the concept of the looking glass self and social cognitive theory, the authors develop a theoretical model about psychological processes through which cancer survivors' competence metaperceptions are related to work outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors recruited 200 working cancer survivors from online research panels and empirically test a theoretical model on how cancer survivors' metaperceptions of competence are related to the survivors' turnover intention and vigor at work. The authors additionally conducted an experimental vignette study among a sample of 133 students to examine confounds concerning causal order.

Findings

The authors found that favorable competence metaperceptions were related to decreased turnover intentions and increased vigor through cancer survivors' enhanced self-efficacy, especially for survivors high in need for emotional support.

Practical implications

This study suggests that inclusive organizations should pay attention to employees with cancer histories as a hidden disadvantaged group. To protect and motivate working cancer survivors, managers need to create a positive socio-cognitive working environment where cancer survivors are respected and valued.

Originality/value

By examining cancer survivors' metaperceptions and showing that survivors may internalize others' stereotype about individuals with a history of cancer, the authors advance the understanding about cancer survivors' return-to-work challenges.

Citation

Zheng, D., Marbut, A.R., Zhang, J., Britt, A. and Nwadike, D. (2023), "Thinking of how you think of me: working cancer survivors' metaperceptions of competence and why they matter", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 38 No. 2, pp. 158-173. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-07-2022-0332