Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to find out what factors are singled out by employees in the context of burnout and workplace conflicts and how these constructs relate to demographic indicators.

Design/methodology/approach. Quantitative research method was chosen for this study and the research tool was posted on the social platform and shared among various groups to reach people of all ages and professions. 401 people working in the Republic of Lithuania responded to the 5-part research questionnaire, which consisted of questions about demographic parameters, statements about burnout syndrome, its consequences, worplace conflicts and burnout caused by them. To process the research data factor analysis, descriptive statistics, data grouping and correlation analysis methods of statistical data analysis were used.

Findings. The study revealed that burnout syndrome could be explained within primary and secondary symptoms of burnout and that in the context of burnout employees experience conflicts with clients and coworkers differently comparing with dissagreements with manager. Furthermore, several variables were distinguished when assessing relationships with demographic parameters but no significant relationship was found between education and the field of work with the constructs of the study.

Research limitations/implications. The survey of the study only partially reflects the overall picture of the whole sample in the context of the issues under consideration and is more focused on younger people with higher education working in Lithuania, however the research covers very different areas of work and is relevant for various professions.

Practical implications. The observations of this study will help to better understand the phenomena of burnout and workplace conflicts and will allow to assess the relationship between demographic parameters and these aspects when working with employees and communicating with customers, colleagues and managers.

Originality/Value. This study will confirme the structure of burnout, workplace conflicts and burnout due to conflicts constructs which will help to analyze mentioned aspects in future research. Also it will reveal how demographic characteristics are associated with burnout and different conflict groups.

Keywords: burnout, workplace conflicts, burnout due to conflicts, conflicts with clients, conflicts with coworkers, conflicts with superior.

Research type: research paper.

JEL classification: O15, D74, I00.