Nigeria, Sept. 29 -- On his first day at work, Daniel arrived before everyone else. He was excited. He wanted to prove himself. He volunteered for assignments, stayed late when necessary, offered ideas during meetings, and took personal responsibility for getting things done. His manager called him one of our most promising people.

Daniel believed he had found a place where hard work mattered. Unfortunately, the first time Daniel stayed late to complete an urgent assignment, nobody noticed. The second time, his manager said, that's what you're paid to do.

Then a colleague who had contributed little to a project received the recognition Daniel had expected. Daniel didn't say anything. He was shocked, surprised, and discouraged. It seriou...