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The Moderating Influence of Perceived Organizational Values on the Burnout-Absenteeism Relationship

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine how four perceived organizational values generally espoused by organizations pursuing excellence, denoting “control” (rationalization and quality) and “flexibility” (humanity and innovation), influence the positive relationship between burnout and absenteeism.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Data were collected from 358 workers of a large health and social services center in the public sector who completed a questionnaire and consented to their personal absence record being matched to the questionnaire responses.

Findings

The perceived organizational values denoting “flexibility” (humanity and innovation) exacerbate the positive relationship between burnout and absenteeism, while no support was found for the moderating effect of perceived organizational values denoting “control” (rationalization and quality) on this relationship.

Implications

This study informs leaders on the type of organizational culture that is more likely to encourage employees to take a leave of absence when experiencing burnout symptoms.

Originality/Value

Past research shows a positive association between burnout and absenteeism. Yet, showing up at work instead of staying home is a sick-role behavior often chosen by workers in the health-care sector where burnout is known to be prevalent. This study examines the role of potential factors that might moderate the strength of the positive relationship between burnout and absenteeism.

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Acknowledgments

This research project was made possible thanks to financial support from the Research Office of HEC Montreal.

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  1. HEC Montréal, HRM Department, 3000, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 2A7, Canada

    Geneviève Jourdain & Denis Chênevert

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  1. Geneviève Jourdain
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  2. Denis Chênevert
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Correspondence to Geneviève Jourdain.

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Jourdain, G., Chênevert, D. The Moderating Influence of Perceived Organizational Values on the Burnout-Absenteeism Relationship. J Bus Psychol 30, 177–191 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-014-9346-9

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