The dark side of engagement : a study of the curvilinear relationship between work engagement and burnout, and the moderating impact of the motivational climate

Abstract

This study explores the curvilinear relationship between work engagement and burnout. In addition the study examines whether the perceived psychological motivational climate has an impact on this relationship. The results from our study indicate that there is curvilinear relationship between work engagement and burnout. In addition to finding a linear relationship that goes from negative to positive, our results indicate that there is a curvilinear pattern leading back to negative again. Our study facilitates broader understanding of the important role of the motivational climate in organizations. Our results indicate that mastery climate might act as a positive “buffer” against burnout, however, performance climate may act as a reinforcer of burnout. Our study contributes to a greater understanding of the work engagement concept as well as the relationship between work engagement and burnout. We suggest that managers should encouraging a healthy balance between work and free time by restricting the amount of overtime working. We also call for additional research on the subject that may further clarify the exact tipping point between work engagement and burnout.