GROWING numbers of workers are refusing to pass on ideas or "tricks of the trade" to bosses for fear of harming their careers, new research has shown.

Staff who have been ill-treated were most likely to "hoard" knowledge, which could prove costly to companies, according to the study.

The so-called "professional parasites" felt it was not in their interests to share good ideas, said the survey, by researchers at London University's Birkbeck College.

After a decade of downsizing and the growing trend of individuals being in charge of their own careers, workers might finally be getting their own back, the study suggested.

The survey of almost 1,000 computer staff and broadcast technicians found that one in five felt it was not in their interest to share ideas or skills.

Adrian Patch, one of the researchers, said it was clear that companies had not come to terms with the problem of staff who "jealously guard" information.

"Organisations which have encouraged employees to manage their own careers are maybe going to start paying the price," he said.

"If employees feel they have been ill-treated or don't believe their bosses are fair, they are more likely to look after their own interests."

Michael Evans, deputy chairman of the Sussex branch of the Institute of Directors, said that businesses need to innovate to survive and they can only do so if they harness the creative energies of everyone who works for them, from the shop floor to the boardroom.

"This research is a useful reminder to staff that making a creative contribution to the organisation you work for is not an optional extra, but an essential part of the job," said Mr Evans, who is managing director of the Brighton-based PR agency The Priory Partnership.

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