Antecedents, Work-Related Consequences, and Buffers of Job Burnout Among Indian Software Developers

Abstract

This study examines the antecedents, consequences, and buffers of job burnout among software developers using job demands resources theory. Data were collected from 372 software developers in India using questionnaires. Results reveal that software developers experiencing more role ambiguity, role conflict, schedule pressure, irregular shifts, group noncooperation, psychological contract violation, and work–family conflict are at a greater risk of job burnout. The most important antecedent of job burnout was found to be work–family conflict. Job burnout increased job performance but decreased organizational commitment and interpersonal relationships. Subjective well-being and practicing yoga and meditation were inversely related to burnout-linked job performance. Subjective well-being, social support, and practicing yoga and meditation were also found to decrease the adverse association of job burnout with organizational commitment and interpersonal relationships. In the context of work-related consequences, job burnout had the biggest adverse association with organizational commitment, and practicing yoga and meditation was found to be the most influential buffer to counter the adverse consequences of job burnout.