Burnout, Organizational Cynicism, and Alienation

Focussing on the negative aspect of work life, this chapter deliberates on burnout, organizational cynicism, and alienation. In past research, organizational productivity has been shown to be causally linked to employee appraisal, experience of the workplace, and employee affect and attitude. Past studies have shown the link between productive employees and positive attitudes. However, organizations are also a source of negative influence on health and attitudes, which often outweigh the benefits resulting from positive experiences. Such negative outcomes not only harm the individual but also the organization. The chapter explores the negative behaviours, attitudes, beliefs, and cognitions that employees are likely to develop towards their organizations. Specifically, the research on burnout, organizational cynicism, and alienation is examined. For each of the constructs, research is reviewed around its definition, antecedents, consequences, and measurement. The need for more research in this area in the current economic and social context is highlighted.