Predicting Burnout Among Entrepreneurs Through a Moderated Mediated Model of Job Fit

Abstract

We integrate theories on job fit, passion, and burnout to examine whether entrepreneurs’ job fit increases or decreases their burnout experience, as mediated by their job passion. We propose that the relationship between job fit and two forms of passion – harmonious and obsessive – is contingent on entrepreneurs’ destiny beliefs about work. In turn, harmonious passion is expected to reduce burnout, while the positive relationship between obsessive passion and burnout is contingent on one’s positive affect. We test this model with a sample of 202 entrepreneurs and find support for most of the predictions. Specifically, job fit perceptions were positively related to harmonious passion, which in turn was negatively related to burnout. On the other hand, the positive relationship between job fit and obsessive passion was strengthened by destiny beliefs, while the positive link between obsessive passion and burnout was mitigated by positive affect. Overall, this model provides implications for both research and practice in the management of entrepreneurial burnout. Keywords: burnout; job fit; harmonious passion; obsessive passion; destiny beliefs of work; positive affect; entrepreneurs