The Relationship Between Levels of Burnout and the Six Areas of Worklife—a Case Study of Kindergarten–12th-Grade Principals in Alpine Creek Public Schools

Date of Award

5-5-2024

Degree Name

Ed.D. in Leadership for Organizations

Department

Department of Educational Administration

Advisor/Chair

Kevin Kelly

Abstract

Burnout has become prevalent in various professional domains, including the field of education. Principals, at the forefront of educational institutions, face immense pressure and responsibilities. Recognizing the importance of addressing burnout, the aim of this study was to contribute to the existing body of research regarding burnout and the six areas of worklife. This study involved the use of a quantitative research approach based on surveys and statistical analyses to determine relationships among demographics, areas of worklife, and burnout levels among Alpine Creek Public Schools (ACPS) principals. A diverse range of demographic factors were considered, including age, gender, educational background, and years of experience. Moreover, the study involved a focus on the six areas of worklife—workload, control, reward, community, fairness, and values—to understand their influence on burnout. The study yielded statistically significant relationships connecting workload, control, and fairness with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. The data obtained from this study will serve as a valuable resource for ACPS leaders devising an action plan to support principals in the management of their complex jobs. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to burnout, ACPS leaders can implement targeted strategies to alleviate emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and enhance personal accomplishment among principals. These strategies may include workload management, fostering a sense of control, providing adequate rewards and recognition, promoting a supportive community, ensuring fairness, and aligning organizational values with the worklife of principals. By addressing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and fostering personal accomplishment, ACPS leaders can enhance the worklife experiences of their principals, ultimately benefiting the entire educational system.

Keywords

burnout, educator burnout, principal burnout, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, Six Areas of Worklife, workload, control, reward, community, fairness, values, quantitative, case study, worklife mismatch, Maslach Burnout Inventory

Rights Statement

Copyright 2024, author

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