title: Relationship between burnout and performance.
abstract: This paper seeks to clarify the nature of the relationship between burnout and both perceived and actual performance. A sample was chosen for whom a clear and objective measure of actual performance was available. This was a group of 95 mid-career MBA students, for whom examination scores were obtained. A questionnaire containing items assessing burnout and perceived performance was administered. There were significant positive correlations between the measure of burnout and the items assessing perceived performance, particularly those reflecting self-esteem. There was no significant association between the measure of burnout and actual performance. It is suggested that (i) a clear distinction between actual and perceived performance be made in the burnout literature; (ii) it is premature to assume burnout will lead to an actual decline in performance; (iii) the notion of deteriorating perceived performance in relation to burnout may have more to do with general feelings of self-esteem than performance or accomplishment per se.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Garden
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000523:psychology*; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory