“Fake Job Titles” explores the growing trend of inflated and often misleading job titles in today's corporate world. The book examines why companies create roles like “Chief Happiness Officer” or “Wizard of Light Bulb Moments,” revealing that these titles often mask a disconnect between actual responsibilities and perceived value. Interestingly, this trend is driven by factors such as attracting talent without competitive salaries and projecting an image of innovation, sometimes leading to ethical and legal implications due to misrepresentation.
The book uniquely combines empirical data with insights from organizational psychology and behavioral economics to analyze the creation and acceptance of these titles. It progresses from categorizing “fake” job titles based on ambiguity to analyzing their impact on employee morale, external stakeholders, and legal considerations. Through surveys, job posting analysis, and case studies, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon, providing practical tips and strategies for both job seekers and businesses to navigate the confusing landscape of modern job titles.