Job characteristics, burnout and negative workhome interference in a nursing environment

Abstract

The objectives of this study were 1) to determine which job characteristics are associated with burnout and 2) to determine the mediating role of negative work-home interference (WHI) in the relationship between job characteristics and burnout within a nursing environment. Random samples (n = 300) were taken of nurses working in the Johannesburg, Klerksdorp, Krugersdorp, Pretoria and Potchefstroom areas. The results of the regression analyses indicated that the main job characteristics that predict exhaustion were pressure and a lack of autonomy, role clarity, colleague support and financial support. A lack of role clarity, colleague support and financial support were the main job characteristics that predict mental distance. Negative WHI played a partially mediating role in the relationship between job characteristics and burnout.