Understanding Workaholism: Data Synthesis, Theoretical Critique, and Future Design Strategies

Author(s)
McMillan, LHW
O'Driscoll, MP
Marsh, Nigel Vincent
Brady, EC
Publication Date
2001
Abstract
Workaholism involves a personal reluctance to disengage from work, which is evidenced by the tendency to work irrespective of external demands. While the term workaholism has been widely used by the public for over 30 years, scientists are only beginning to explore the behavior in depth. To date, most research has occurred on an ad hoc basis, emerging from a wide variety of paradigms without being explicitly linked to theory. The current article presents three methods for defining workaholism and a précis of relevant measures, then provides an integrated overview of research relating workaholism to individual well-being. Three models implicit in existing workaholism research (addiction, learning, and trait theory) are expounded and critiqued, and four new procedures for researching workaholism are suggested. Finally, an integrated, multidisciplinary approach is proposed as an essential element in encouraging rigorous debate and continued development of workaholism theory
Citation
International Journal of Stress Management, 8(2), p. 69-91
ISSN
1573-3424
1072-5245
Link
Language
en
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Title
Understanding Workaholism: Data Synthesis, Theoretical Critique, and Future Design Strategies
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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