An adapted model of burnout for employees at a higher education institution in South Africa

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to test an adapted four-factor model of burnout consisting of Exhaustion, Cynicism, Professional Efficacy and Cognitive Weariness for employees of a higher education institution in South Africa and to determine differences in burnout levels between different language groups and employees with different years of experience at the institution. A crossectional survey design (N = 372) was used. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey, the Cognitive Weariness Scale and a biographical questionnaire were administered. Structural equation modelling confirmed the hypothesised four-factor model of burnout. The scales showed acceptable internal consistencies. Analysis of variance revealed differences in burnout and cognitive weariness for groups with different languages and different years of experience at the institution. Opsomming Die gesinslewensikluskonsep is as ’n hulpmiddel gebruik in marksegmentering om bemarkingstrategieë te ontwikkel. Huishoudings is egter nie altyd gesins-gebaseerd nie en kan bestaan uit enkel-, dieselde geslag-, en saamblyhuishoudings wat elkeen merkbare verskille kan toon ten opsigte van verbruikspatrone. Ondersoek is gedoen oor die huishoudingslewensiklusteorie as basis vir marksegmentering in die Suid-Afrikaanse omgewing. Die resultate dui daarop dat ofskoon die huishoudingslewensiklus bruikbaar is om tussen huishoudings te differensieer in terme van verbruiksgedrag, diè teorie nie uitsluitlik en in isolasie gebruik moet word nie vanweë die hoë vlak van binne-stadium verskillendheid.