job guarding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "job guarding" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of employees or individuals trying to protect their positions or roles within an organization, often to the detriment of collaboration or innovation. Example: "In a competitive work environment, job guarding can hinder teamwork and prevent the sharing of ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The boy gets a job guarding sheep at night from wolves.

The New Yorker

"We didn't do a very good job guarding them," Izzo said.

The New York Times - Sports

This former Taliban soldier has a new job: guarding the hotel.

The New York Times

A friend from the same city in north-west Syria has a job guarding a lorry parked on the wasteland.

The Guardian

I said if they were doing their job guarding the place, they didn't need to follow me.

The Guardian

He is rescued by an arms dealer, Michel Salloum, who takes him home to Lebanon and gives him a job guarding the Salloum family home.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"He's done a great job," Guards Coach Rolando Aguirre said of his workhorse, who racked up 218 yards in 11 carries and had four touchdowns last week in a 37-8 win against Fairmont Prep.

Los Angeles Times

Protect your paint job, guard against ice on the windshield (see tips), and guard against the fluids and/or water in your radiator from freezing.

WikiHow

His first job was guarding U-2 spy planes.

The New York Times

"Horace does a pretty good job of guarding Tim, Andersonn said.

The New York Times - Sports

No restaurant in New York does a better job at guarding its traditions while honoring the present.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potentially negative workplace behaviors, frame "job guarding" in the context of its impact on team collaboration and innovation to highlight the drawbacks.

Common error

Avoid using "job guarding" without providing specific examples or context. Simply stating that someone is "job guarding" can be vague and unhelpful. Clarify what specific actions they are taking and how these actions affect others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "job guarding" functions as a noun phrase, typically describing the act of protecting one's job, responsibilities, or information, sometimes to the detriment of others. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "job guarding" refers to the act of protecting one's job or responsibilities, often in a way that hinders collaboration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the term itself is neutral, the behavior it describes can be viewed positively or negatively depending on the context. To avoid ambiguity, provide specific examples when using the phrase. Alternative phrases like "protecting one's position" or "safeguarding responsibilities" can provide a more nuanced understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

safeguarding responsibilities

Highlights the act of ensuring the safety and continuation of assigned duties.

protecting one's position

Focuses on the act of safeguarding a role or status within an organization.

maintaining employment

Focuses on the continuous effort to stay employed.

preserving one's role

Highlights the act of maintaining a specific function or duty.

retaining one's position

Stresses the act of keeping a current job or role.

securing employment

Emphasizes the effort to ensure continued employment.

defending one's job

Implies a more active and potentially contentious effort to keep a job.

job security efforts

Refers to actions taken to ensure the stability and longevity of one's employment.

guarding one's turf

Uses a more informal, territorial metaphor for protecting responsibilities.

protecting career interests

Broadens the scope to include overall career goals and aspirations.

FAQs

How can "job guarding" affect a company's culture?

"Job guarding" can create a culture of distrust and competition, hindering collaboration and innovation. When employees focus on protecting their own roles, they may be less likely to share information or help others.

What are some alternative ways to describe "job guarding"?

Instead of "job guarding", you could use phrases like "protecting one's position", "securing employment", or "safeguarding responsibilities" depending on the specific context.

Is "job guarding" always a negative behavior?

While often negative, "job guarding" can sometimes stem from a desire for stability or a fear of job loss. However, it's important to distinguish between protecting one's responsibilities and hoarding information or resources.

How can managers prevent "job guarding" in the workplace?

Managers can prevent "job guarding" by fostering a collaborative environment, promoting open communication, and rewarding teamwork. Clearly defining roles and responsibilities can also help reduce uncertainty and competition.