Research Note : Burnout and Locus of Control

This study examines self-reported burnout in personnel professions from a “locus of control” perspective. Personnelists who reported they were experiencing burnout were compared with those who said they were not. Responses to the question “What recommendations do you have for preventing burnout?” suggest that “burnouts” have an external locus of control; they are more likely to state that organizations have a responsibility for preventing employee burnout. In contrast, “non burnouts” appear to have an internal locus of control; their recommendations suggest that individuals have a responsibility for taking their own prevention measures. Acknowledging the crucial role played by organizations in burnout prevention, the article warns personnelists that ultimately they need to learn to care for themselves.