Title: Incompetent people at work

Authors: Martin Sposato

Addresses: Collage of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University, P.O. Box 19282, Dubai, UAE

Abstract: This article delves into prevalent challenges and issues encountered in the process of identifying candidates for promotion within organisations. It expounds upon well-known obstacles such as the unconscious bias or the Dunning-Kruger effect, aiming to elucidate their widespread impact. The following part of the article, grounded in a comprehensive literature review, introduces recommendations to circumvent and mitigate these issues. By doing so, the article provides actionable solutions for organisations seeking to avert the promotion of individuals lacking competence. Finally, a section on further research is presented.

Keywords: promotion; incompetence; organisational development; Dunning-Kruger effect.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2025.147222

International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, 2025 Vol.18 No.3, pp.313 - 317

Received: 29 May 2023
Accepted: 01 Jun 2023
Published online: 14 Jul 2025 *

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