Evaluating How Well Technology Based People Leaders Can Recognise and Treat Burnout in Their Teams

Austin, Neill (2022) Evaluating How Well Technology Based People Leaders Can Recognise and Treat Burnout in Their Teams. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Burnout is a psychological condition where the sufferer is unable to function effectively, brought about by:

“a state of frustration resulting from failed professional relationships not producing the rewards that were expected” (Freudenberger, 1974).

Tanner (2020) states that it’s been estimated to cost $190 Bn globally PA and attributed to over 120,000 deaths, such that Borysenko (2019) notes the WHO included it to the international Classification of Disease as an “Occupational Phenomenon”. For such a major problem, are people managers within the technology sector able to recognise and ultimately prevent anyone suffering?

This study explores burnout through the lens of a mid-size multinational financial software company, evaluating if leaders can recognise burnout and what they can do to help. It reviews what personal values drives employees to burn out, it also examines the causes and triggers whilst investigating the personality profile of people who may be susceptible. Finally, it addresses the shortcomings in the research relating to the influence of management, and questions if burning out staff may ultimately lead to financial reward.

Following research methods suggested by Saunders et al. (2019) a mono method qualitative exploratory study was chosen, focusing on the gathering of data via semi structured interviews with the expectation to uncover insights via open ended interview questions. The participants were well respected managers holding a strong reputation as effective leaders within the organisation.

Whilst unable to diagnose different burnout stages, all participants recognised symptoms and could identify events that had pushed an employee into an unrecoverable downward spiral. Leaders stated burnout was a shared responsibility between the manager and the employee but placed considerable effort into its remediation when discovered.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > Leadership H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Leadership H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > Industrial Psychology > Workplace Stress
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	05 Oct 2022 10:53
Last Modified:	05 Oct 2022 10:53
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5800

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