Psychosocial and biographical factors in career burnout

Abstract

The objectives of this research report aimed to produce a model to understand how psychosocial work conditions affect burnout, the significance of the effects, the consequences for burnout, specifically with regard to Health and the Intention to Quit consequences. A further question that needed to be answered was what role biographical factors play in the development of Burnout. A snowball sampling technique was used to administer a quantitative self-report questionnaire (Copenhagen Psychosocial questionnaire, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and an Intention to Quit questionnaire). The internet was the delivery mechanism. Five hundred and ninety six emails for responses were sent; of which 353 started and 240 ended the survey. Psychosocial work factors proved to be a significant predictor of burnout and the results were consistent with some findings in previous research. Large correlations between burnout and Health were observed as well as moderate correlations with the Intention to Quit. Results from biographical hypothesis proved to be insignificant which concurs with research that found burnout is essentially a work related condition. Health and the Intention to Quit had no significant relationship, so in essence healthy employees are leaving the workplace (dysfunctional turnover), and ill workers are staying and are unproductive because of ill health sickness absence, lack of motivation and disengagement. The value to reverse or prevent burnout in South Africa will depend on an integrated approach by government, private enterprise and researchers to devise intervention strategies.