Enriching the Spence and Robbins' typology of workaholism: Demographic, motivational and organizational correlates

Abstract

This study contributes to the literature on workaholism by testing the Spence and Robbins workaholic triad; 5,853 full time workers participated in a national survey on working hours, covering a broad range of economic sectors and employment categories. Respondents were grouped eight clusters. Results show a strong similarity with those of other studies about the validity of the Spence and Robbins' typology. The same basic dimensions and the same types are identified, and similar relationships with extra‐work activities are found. In addition, a wide range of biographical, motivational and organizational data are included. One new type of workaholic was identified: the reluctant hard worker reports relatively long working hours, at a relatively low hierarchical level, with a strong perception of external pressure and a low perception of growth culture and a strong intention to leave the organization.

Citation

Buelens, M. and Poelmans, S.A.Y. (2004), "Enriching the Spence and Robbins' typology of workaholism: Demographic, motivational and organizational correlates", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 17 No. 5, pp. 440-458. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534810410554470