Inefficacy: the tipping point of driver burnout

Abstract

Purpose

Truck drivers keep supply chains moving, but driver shortages and high turnover levels plague the industry. The purpose of this research is to examine the three dimensions of Maslach's job burnout model: exhaustion, cynicism and professional inefficacy, as it relates to role stressors and turnover intention. Logistics boundary spanners such as truck drivers appear to be especially susceptible to job burnout. Role theory and organizational support theory were used to develop hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual level survey data were collected from 190 truck driver respondents (not owner operators) at two large truck stops. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Findings suggest that the relationship between role stressors and the dimensions of job burnout are not all the same. Role conflict significantly impacts exhaustion and cynicism. Role ambiguity significantly impacts cynicism and inefficacy. Results support a progression through burnout dimensions that begins with exhaustion and ends with inefficacy. Inefficacy was significantly related to intention to stay. Organizational support is a way to help drivers mitigate feelings of inefficacy.

Practical implications

Managers in trucking organizations can track burnout levels in their drivers using the Maslach Burnout Inventory with a specific focus on monitoring feelings of inefficacy, which may help lower turnover levels.

Originality/value

The findings support that the burnout dimension of inefficacy is the strongest indicator that a driver is considering leaving his current organization or the industry. This is contrary to other studies that have focused on the other two burnout dimensions.

Citation

Thomas, S.P., Liao-Troth, S. and Williams, D.F. (2020), "Inefficacy: the tipping point of driver burnout", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 50 No. 4, pp. 483-501. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-07-2019-0223