Project duration, budget, individual role, and burnout among construction managers

Professionals who experience burnout are less productive and lead to decreases in both profitability and human resource (HR) capital. The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the relationship between construction project duration; project budget; an individual’s role on a project; and Maslach’s three dimensions of burnout, (a) professional efficacy, (b) emotional exhaustion, and (c) cynicism, for the target population of construction management team members working within the Midwestern United States. Using data from an online survey, a multiple linear regression analysis was used, along with a separate multiple linear regression model, to quantify the relationship of each dimension of the burnout syndrome with the independent variables. Results suggested that there was no statistically significant relationship between the independent variables and burnout, but statistical significance existed with project budget predicting the burnout dimension of cynicism F(2,136) = 6. 395, p = 0. 013, R2 = 0. 05, suggesting that the larger the project budget, the more susceptible the individual to cynicism. Past research has found that increased levels of cynicism in project team members can lead to feelings of alienation and disengagement from the job role. The implications for positive social change include increased awareness of burnout within the construction context and potential modification of existing business practices and operating procedures to avoid employee burnout of project management team members. Business leaders expanding their understanding about predictors of burnout may lead to lower turnover and turnover intentions while increasing productivity and profitability of their organizations.