Date of Award
Fall 12-2020
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development
Committee Chair
Heather M. Annulis
Committee Chair School
Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development
Committee Member 2
H. Quincy Brown
Committee Member 2 School
Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development
Committee Member 3
John J. Kmiec, Jr.
Committee Member 3 School
Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development
Committee Member 4
Jonathan Beedle
Committee Member 4 School
Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine if organizational stress, measured by role conflict and role ambiguity, predicts burnout among employees. A review of the related literature identified variables that demonstrate a relationship with burnout, supported by the Maslach (1998) theory of burnout and Katz and Kahn’s (1966) organizational role theory. The researcher also examined whether organizational level and demographic variables (gender, education level, and job tenure) moderate the relationships between role conflict, role ambiguity, and burnout.
The study follows a non-experimental, cross-sectional design using data collected from a survey. Results of linear regression analyses reveal role conflict and role ambiguity predict burnout. A series of Baron and Kenny moderation analyses (Baron & Kenny, 1986) show that organizational level is not a moderating factor in the relationships between role conflict, role ambiguity, and burnout. In addition, only education level (Associate’s degree) emerged as a moderator in the relationship between role conflict and burnout.
Findings from this study emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing role conflict and role ambiguity, in order to prevent employee burnout, within organizations. Findings also suggest that organizations should include staff at all levels of the organization in burnout assessment and remediation efforts, including additional resources for employees to obtain skills that may have been absent from their previous education. Future research considerations include qualitative methods, additional industries or organizational structures, and predictive qualities of other related variables.
Recommended Citation
Albritton, Kristen, "Organizational Stressors as Predictors of Burnout" (2020). Dissertations. 1849.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/1849
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