Burnout and engagement: Correlates and measurement.

Abstract

Burnout has become an important aspect of organizational reality for workers worldwide. Despite a growing body of literature concerning burnout, there are many questions about the measurement and process of burnout that have not been addressed. Moreover, researchers have begun to develop a theoretical antithesis of burnout, engagement, which is in need of significant research in order to better understand it implications for employees and organizations. This dissertation addresses a number of issues with regard to the measurement and process of burnout and engagement. First, this study provides evidence of the factorial and construct validity of an alternative measure of burnout that addresses some of the limitations of the popular Maslach Burnout Inventory. Second, this study investigates the role of perceptions of politics as an antecedent of burnout. Third, this study examines the role of motivation as a mediator in the relationship between burnout and job performance. Finally, this study provides evidence of the factorial and construct validity of a measure of engagement. I conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for burnout research, measurement, and organizations.