Journal article
The leadership challenge of increasing productivity in the workplace without increasing burnout risk
Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol.44(2), pp.260-273
2023
Abstract
Purpose:
This paper aims to examine the critical question of how to increase productivity without also increasing the burnout risk. A systems thinking framework was applied to explore individual perceptions of team dynamics and how they relate to morale, work–life balance (WLB) and hours worked.
Design/methodology/approach:
Using an online survey, data from 1,222 Australian workers were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression and principal components analysis (PCA).
Findings:
Self-reported productivity was found to be predicted by engagement whereas burnout and morale had minimal impact. Burnout risk was not related to hours worked but was reduced when WLB, quality work and trust is higher. Co-worker effort impacted morale and a factor labelled as team “sense of accomplishment” (SoA) was identified.
Research limitations/implications:
The results of this research have limited generalisability to wider populations due to sampling methods, being conducted in the Australian context and respondents coming from a diverse range of occupations. The sample being skewed towards younger age groups and the acknowledged use of single-item measures may also restrict drawing broader conclusions from the results.
Originality/value:
A socio-technical systems thinking model to diagnose the link between workplace burnout and productivity is applied. The approach involved understanding the importance of trust and how the connection between people and systems can influence morale.
Details
- Title
- The leadership challenge of increasing productivity in the workplace without increasing burnout risk
- Authors
- John Whiteoak (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative IndustriesDaniel Abell (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative IndustriesKaren Becker (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
- Publication details
- Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol.44(2), pp.260-273
- Publisher
- Emerald Publishing Limited
- DOI
- 10.1108/LODJ-07-2021-0330
- ISSN
- 1472-5347
- Organisation Unit
- UniSC Moreton Bay; School of Business and Creative Industries
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99713198002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Management
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