ARTICLES

 

The relationship between job insecurity and burnout

 

 

N Tilakdharee; S Ramidial; SB Parumasur

School of Management Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal

 

 

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ABSTRACT

Organisational survival has necessitated both more flexible practices (short-term contracts and outsourcing) and an effective workforce that is able to work continuously under immense pressure. While the former has raised feelings about job insecurity, the latter has resulted in burnout. This study aims to assess levels of job insecurity and burnout among 87 employees in a training and development environment, as well as the relationships between these two key dimensions and the impact of biographical variables. Data collected using the Job Insecurity Questionnaire (JIQ) and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) reflects a significant relationship between these dimensions. The study provides recommendations for reducing their detrimental individual and organisational consequences.

JEL: J22

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Accepted March 2010