Wallace, Elaine and Coughlan, Joseph (2023) Burnout and counterproductive workplace behaviours among frontline hospitality employees: the effect of perceived contract precarity. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 35 (2). pp. 451-468. ISSN 0959-6119

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Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to investigate affective commitment (ACS) and leader–member exchange (LMX) as resources mitigating against burnout and counterproductive work behaviours (CWBs) in the hospitality sector, and examines the effect of zero-hour contracts on these relationships. Design/methodology/approach – Through conservation of resources theory, this study tests a framework exploring ACS and LMX as resources against burnout and CWBs, using a data set of 260 frontline hospitality employees working in Ireland, considering zero-hour contracts as a moderator. Findings – Findings indicate that burnout is associated with CWB, and ACS and LMX are resources against burnout and CWB. Furthermore, zero-hour contract perceptions moderate the resource effect of ACS and LMX. Yet, zero-hour contract perceptions do not moderate the relationship between burnout and CWB, indicating these employees may be caught in a resource-loss spiral. Practical implications – This study proposes mechanisms to enhance resources against burnout, with specific strategies to support young employees who are more likely to experience burnout. As findings suggest unique negative impacts of burnout for employees on zero-hour contracts, this paper also provides guidance to support these vulnerable employees. Originality/value – This study provides unique insights into hospitality employees’ ability to harness resources against burnout and CWB consequences of burnout. The results indicate that perceived precarity does not moderate these relationships, suggesting that burnout affects this cohort differently

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Burnout; Counterproductive workplace behaviour; Zero-hour contract; Affective commitment; Leader–member exchange;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Business
Item ID:	17123
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-02-2022-0195
Depositing User:	Joseph Coughlan
Date Deposited:	28 Apr 2023 11:15
Journal or Publication Title:	International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
Publisher:	Emerald
Refereed:	Yes
URI:
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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