The Growth Trap: Socio-Cultural Inhibitors of Personal Growth Initiative in the Surinamese Workforce

Abstract

This study investigates the "Growth Trap" within the Surinamese labor market, a phenomenon where individual ambition is countered by systemic social leveling behaviors. Using a quantitative approach (N=239), the research examines the impact of the Crab-in-the-bucket Mentality (CBM) and Decent Work on Personal Growth Initiative (PGI). Findings reveal a significant negative correlation between CBM and PGI (r = -0.42), while Decent Work shows a strong positive correlation (r = 0.58). A unique Proxy-NPS validation identified a "Bachelor’s Peak" in perceived social sabotage and a 42% skills mismatch. The study concludes by proposing the Schreuders Iterative Learning-on-Demand (SILoD) Model, integrating Human Capital Analytics and Agentic AI to bypass traditional socio-cultural barriers.