Major influences on employee attendance: A process model.

Based on a review of 104 empirical studies, this paper presents a model of employee attendance in work organizations. It is suggested, based on the literature, that attendance is directly influenced by two primary factors: (a) attendance motivation; and (b) ability to come to work. Attendance motivation, in turn, is largely influenced by: (a) satisfaction with the job situation; and (b) various internal and external pressures to attend. The model attempts to account for both voluntary and involuntary absenteeism. Moreover, the model argues against earlier assertions that absenteeism is principally caused by job dissatisfaction and that absenteeism and turnover share common roots. Available literature is largely consistent with the model but not sufficient to validate it. Hence, the model is proposed here to stimulate and guide further systematic efforts to study attendance behavior. (Author)