The Cognitive Virtue in the Workplace: A Systematic Literature Review of Intellectual Humility and Organizational Outcomes

Abstract

In an era characterized by rapid technological change, political polarization, and increasing organizational complexity, Intellectual Humility (IH), the recognition of the fallibility of one’s own beliefs and the openness to others’ perspectives, has emerged as a vital construct in organizational research. This systematic review synthesizes recent literature (2021–2026) to explore the conceptualization, measurement, and impact of IH on individual and organizational outcomes. Guided by theories such as Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, and the Self-Other Knowledge Asymmetry (SOKA) model, the review categorizes findings into four major themes: conceptual foundations and measurement, leadership and employee flourishing, conflict management and ethical conduct, and psychological safety and resilience. The findings indicate that IH is a robust predictor of job performance, thriving at work, and reduced interpersonal conflict. However, the review also highlights critical gaps, including a heavy reliance on self-report data, geographic concentration of samples, and a lack of longitudinal research. This review serves as a roadmap for future research aiming to integrate IH into leadership development and diversity initiatives.