Embedding work lessons for life : Those who stay have more qualities than mere loyalty

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at specific issues that relate to ‘occupational embeddedness’ through which individuals become ‘enmeshed’ in their occupations. Design/methodology/approach – Three hypotheses were tested relating to such issues as employees' core task performance, behavior, and creativity. Data was collected from 175 employees working in a wide range of occupations. Findings – A balance needs to be struck between freedom and the right kind of discipline which stops egos from getting out of hand. Organizations and leaders who pull off this deft maneuver can expect to reap the benefits. Originality/value – Clever people will ask difficult questions, and this characteristic should also be valued by company leaders. They are also “organizationally savvy” and good at fighting their corner for what they believe to be right, both in terms of policy and resources. The notion, then, that they are too focussed on their own talents to indulge in office politics is way off the mark.