The Silent Struggle-imposter Syndrome and Its Influence on Self-efficacy and Academic Performance- A Study on MBA Students in Private University

This research paper investigates the effects of imposter syndrome on self-efficacy and academic performance among MBA students in private universities. Imposter syndrome, a common issue among high-achieving individuals, can lead to negative consequences such as anxiety, depression, and decreased motivation. This study aims to address the potential negative impacts of imposter syndrome on MBA students' academic experiences. Using convenience sampling and a Google Form survey, data was collected from 114 participants at CMS Business School, Bengaluru. The study employs statistical analyses including linear regression, correlation analysis, and factor analysis to scrutinize the collected data. Results indicate a statistically significant relationship between imposter syndrome and self-efficacy. Specifically, fear of disappointing others is positively correlated with belief in one's ability to overcome challenges. Additionally, attributing success to luck is negatively correlated with confidence in handling unforeseen situations, and comparing one's intelligence to others is negatively correlated with overall ability to manage challenges. However, the relationship between imposter syndrome and academic performance is less clear. While fear of disappointing others is positively associated with the drive to achieve good grades, there is no significant correlation between attributing success to luck and proactive academic behavior, nor between feeling less intelligent compared to others and active participation in class discussions. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the impact of imposter syndrome on MBA students' self-efficacy and sheds light on potential intervention strategies to address these issues.