Abstract
This study has two objectives – to provide a Korean form of the workaholism analysis questionnaire, and to analyze workaholic tendencies in South Korea by using a nationally representative data. Using 4,242 samples (2,497 men and 1,745 women), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to develop a Korean form (K-WAQ). The four-factor structure of K-WAQ in this study seemed to adequately represent the underlying dimensions of work addiction in Korea. The study also analyzed the prevalence of workaholism among Koreans and its differences according to socio-demographic variables. Both mean difference analyses and logistic regressions were conducted. The overall result indicated that the prevalence of workaholism in Korea can be estimated to be 39.7% of the employees. The workaholic tendencies in Korea differ significantly according to gender, age, work hours, and voluntariness of choosing employment type. Practical as well as theoretical implications and future research directions are discussed.
Highlights
This pattern coefficients, i.e., factor pattern matrix loadings are the linear combinations of the factors that make up the original standardized variables
It is notable that just one item (“I find it difficult to schedule vacation time for myself.”) indicated the factor loading of.50 converging to the factor of Endurance of Work–Family Conflict (EC)
The current study had two objectives: to develop a Korean form of workaholism measure (K-workaholism analysis questionnaire (WAQ)) by elaborating the WAQ developed originally by Aziz et al (2013), and to investigate, based upon the Korean form of WAQ (K-WAQ), divergent workaholic tendencies in Korea by using a nationally representative data for the first time. Through this two-phased research the workaholism prevalence in South Korea (39.7%) as well as its differences according to socio-demographic variables was demonstrated
Summary
The term workaholism, meaning addiction to work, was defined by Oates (1971, p.11) as the “compulsion or uncontrollable need to work incessantly.” It is broadly accepted that workaholism is a form of behavioral addiction (Schaef, 1987; Robinson, 1998/2013; Andreassen et al, 2018; Griffiths et al, 2018) that has similar mechanisms and effects as substance addictions.Despite some positive aspects of work itself (Machlowitz, 1980), work addiction is often characterized as a fatal disease (Fassel, 1990). Several studies on workaholism have been conducted over the last five decades, there is still little consensus on the definition and the roots of workaholism (Andreassen et al, 2018; Griffiths et al, 2018; Atroszko et al, 2019). The most commonly shared concept of workaholism is defined as a continual pattern of working excessively beyond expectations, and a compulsive obsession with work (Ng et al, 2007; Griffiths, 2011; Andreassen, 2014). Ng et al (2007) underlined that the emotions, thoughts, and behaviors of workaholics are generally ruled by their work. They define workaholism as multidimensional, including affect, cognition, and behavior aspects in their theoretical model. The current study shares this view, as feelings, thoughts, and attitudes precede human actions, and the way we act is derived from what and how we feel, think, and believe
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
