A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of the Concept of Burnout

Abstract

The use of the term "burnout" is traced in the literature and the lack of consensus on the meaning of the phenomenon under study is identified. A multidimensional perspective is suggested and is utilized as the framework for a study of the staff of a large human service organization. The study collected information on perceptions of organizational dynamics; small group and social supports; job satisfaction; job descriptions and job functions; demographic characteristics; and burnout indicators. The burnout indicators provide the source of data analyzed in this phase of the study. Using factor analytic procedures, the writers identify a six factor solution, suggesting that the phenomenon described as "burnout" may be, in fact, at least six, or more, variations, or combinations of the potential burnout indicators. Implications for intervention are discussed.