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Article:

Promoting Mediocrity: Why Employers Don't Always Reward the Best Talent

Find Out Why Companies Go with "Known Talent" Instead of Up-and-Comers

How Did "That Guy" Get Promoted??

You know the guy I mean.

He's competent (mostly), but never brilliant. He turns his work in by deadline, makes pleasant water-cooler conversation and walks out the door at the stroke of 5. He is emphatically mediocre.

Why, then, does he get the praise, the promotions, the raises? Research by economist Marko Terviö offers a possible explanation: Companies spend too much hiring known talents -- even if they aren't actually particularly, well, talented -- rather than taking a chance on untested up-and-comers.

 

  • Sarah Shemkus

    Sarah Shemkus is an award-winning freelance journalist, marketing enthusiast, accomplished baker, occasional globetrotter and total nerd (with a particular fondness for spreadsheets). Most recently, she reported on business and real estate … Read more...