The turnover intention οf supply chain managers because οf burnout : reality οr abstraction?

Abstract

PURPOSE: The article aims to identify antecedents of burnout of supply chain (SC) managers and to examine if it relates to their turnover intention. We also discuss the potential influence of burnout of SC managers on job performance.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: First qualitative study (interviews) was conducted to identify factors which could be linked to stress and burnout of SC managers. Then a quantitative study (based on a questionnaire survey) was conducted to measure the relationship between those factors and burnout.

FINDINGS: The burnout of SC managers was related to effort-reward imbalance, work-family conflict, and, to a lesser extent, stressful customer behaviour. No relationship was found between burnout and organisationally climate. The burnout of SC managers led to turnover intention. The indirect consequence of burnout was cognitive impairment, which is reflected in management problems, including problem-solving and decision-making.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATION: Knowledge of what antecedents cause burnout in SC managers makes it possible to prevent burnout by influencing these factors by employees and the organisations that employ them.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study provides new knowledge about the antecedents of burnout of SC managers. It proves that it is related to turnover. It also proposes a new approach to measuring burnout in SC managers, the Burnout Assessment Tool.