Understanding the "Karen" Archetype in the Workplace: Psychology Behind the Behaviour

Includes Practical Strategies for Addressing "Karen" Behaviour

The "Karen" archetype, is often characterised by a sense of entitlement, assertiveness, and a tendency to confront others.  In this article, I am looking at various psychological factors that may contribute to the behaviour.  I also spoke to two ladies who gave me their take on what it’s like to be a woman labelled as a “Karen” just because they were assertive and doing their job!

Key Psychological Factors:

1. Sense of Entitlement: Psychology: Entitlement can stem from various sources, including upbringing, social status, or past experiences where assertive behaviour was rewarded. Individuals with a strong sense of entitlement believe they deserve special treatment and privileges, often without considering the impact on others. Impact: This can lead to behaviours where the individual demands preferential treatment, disregards rules or norms, and expects others to prioritise their needs.
2. Need for Control: Psychology: Some individuals exhibit "Karen" behaviour as a way to exert control over their environment. This can be a coping mechanism for anxiety or insecurity, where controlling situations and people helps them feel more secure. Impact: This can manifest as micromanaging, insistence on having things done their way, and resistance to change or alternative perspectives.
3. Defensive Behaviour: Psychology: Confrontational and aggressive behaviours can be a defense mechanism. Individuals may feel threatened by challenges to their authority or expertise, leading them to react aggressively to maintain their status and self-esteem. Impact: This defensiveness can create a hostile work environment, stifling open communication and collaboration.
4. Narcissistic Tendencies: Psychology: Narcissism involves a heightened sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals with narcissistic traits may display "Karen" behaviour as they seek admiration and validation while dismissing others' needs and feelings. Impact: This can result in conflicts, as these individuals prioritise their own goals and desires over team objectives and harmony.
5. Social and Cultural Factors: Psychology: Social and cultural influences can shape behaviour. For example, someone raised in an environment where assertiveness and dominance were valued may naturally adopt these traits. Additionally, societal norms and stereotypes can reinforce certain behaviours. Impact: These behaviours can clash with modern workplace values that emphasise inclusivity, collaboration, and respect for diversity.

Practical Strategies for Addressing "Karen" Behaviour:

• Promote Self-Awareness: Encourage individuals to reflect on their behaviour and its impact on others. Providing feedback and fostering a culture of self-improvement can help mitigate entitled and confrontational behaviours.
• Set Clear Expectations: Establish and communicate clear expectations regarding workplace behaviour and interactions. Consistent enforcement of policies can reduce instances of entitlement and ensure a fair environment for all team members.
• Provide Training and Development: Offer training on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and effective communication. Equipping employees with these skills can enhance their ability to navigate interpersonal challenges constructively.
• Encourage Empathy and Understanding: Promote a culture of empathy by encouraging team members to consider others' perspectives. Activities such as team-building exercises and diversity training can foster a more inclusive and harmonious workplace.

I spoke with two ladies to get their views on how the “Karen” archetype can be directed towards the wrong people and how this can have the effect of making someone feel judged for doing their job!

Lily Naadu Mensah is an ex-corporate brand strategist turned champion of the under-seen. Lily empowers independent practitioners and professionals to build sparkling brands through coaching, MC-ing, and her "Work Your QUIRKs" book series. With over 20 years’ experience, she's armed with battle-tested tools to help you claim your spotlight, banish invisibility and build a career you adore.

What Lily says about the Karen archetype;

"In my experience, being assertive is often necessary to get the job done, especially when people need to be called out for not following through. I don't see that as being a 'Karen'—it's about ensuring the team delivers on its commitments.

I've worked with someone who was highly qualified and very good at her job, but her leadership style was problematic. She insisted on reading every email to ensure everyone had read them and was obsessed with micromanaging. It felt like she didn't trust herself to make mistakes, which bled into how she treated everyone else. Her sense of entitlement was palpable; she believed she deserved a leadership role simply because of her prestigious education and work history, but leadership isn't just about credentials—it's about how you treat people.

On the other hand, I’ve seen others who, despite having a sense of entitlement, didn’t let it show. They treated everyone with respect, from the CEO to the cleaners, and that made them stand out as true leaders.

For me, the key takeaway is that being a 'Karen' isn’t about being assertive or getting things done—it’s about how you do it. If you’re straightforward and honest, but always come from a place of respect and love, that’s not being a 'Karen.' It’s about effective leadership. We should stop labelling women who are just trying to get things done as 'Karens' and instead focus on how we can all work better together.

I also spoke with Karen Harris who said

“I definitely agree that the idea that women need to be “the B word” to succeed in business is an outdated stereotype.

Standing your ground doesn’t mean you have to be harsh or unkind—in fact, I’ve found that approaching situations with determination, respect, and empathy can often lead to better outcomes, even when dealing with tough scenarios.

For example, there were a couple of instances where I had to take a firm stand while managing debt collections. In one case, I successfully intervened when someone tried to abscond and wind up their business to avoid paying what they owed. In another, I used my powers of persuasion to convince an insolvency practitioner to honor a debt that they were initially trying to sidestep. Both times, I was resolute and clear in my actions, but I handled it in my way—without being nasty or aggressive. Yet, despite the professionalism I maintained, I was still labelled as a “Karen” by some for pushing through and getting the job done.

This label can be frustrating, as it tends to undermine the valid and necessary actions women take in business. But I’ve also had conversations with my manager about this, and she suggested I embrace the term and flip it on its head. I now see it as a reflection of my ability to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.

It’s true that the fear of being labelled can sometimes discourage women from asserting themselves, but I believe that true self-love means standing in our truth, even if it means stepping into uncomfortable territory. It’s essential that we create environments—both in our professional and personal lives—where women feel empowered to voice their opinions and advocate for what they believe in without fear of being dismissed or mislabelled”.

In her work life Karen encourages people to honour their truth and stand up for themselves, which is something she is committed to doing in every aspect of her own life. She runs a self-love group on Facebook where she supports people with these kinds of challenging dynamics.

Understanding the psychology behind the "Karen" archetype can provide valuable insights into addressing and managing these behaviours. By fostering self-awareness, setting clear expectations, and promoting empathy, organisations can create a more positive and productive work environment.

Remember - Culture creates behaviour -

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Dolores Andrew

Award Winning Wellness Trainer and Holistic Life Coach