Workaholism – psychological and social determinants of work addiction

Abstract

Introduction: Workaholism as a psychological and social phenomenon is the object of only a few empirical studies. Despite the fact that the phenomenon of addiction to work was not specified in the ICD-10 or DSM-5 Classifications, the authors of this paper have decided that it is worth considering its preconditions.Materials and method: Based on the review of the available literature, the topic of work addiction was discussed and the main determinants of workaholism and the so-called workaholic personality were presented.Results: The paper presents the author’s theoretical proposition of workaholism notion which postulates the existence of a form of addiction to work, which has its source in personality and motivation.Conclusions: Undoubtedly, workaholism is addictive, but only obsessive-compulsive components may not be sufficient to determine its nature. Workaholism adopts a three-dimensional structure including behavioral, cognitive and affective aspects. Further research on this issue is needed.

Motivational background of work addiction: the role of perceived demanding organizational conditions

“…Researchers started working on finding an answer to the question why some employees chose to extend their working hours. It was suggested that an extrinsic motivation resulting from some kind of reward and an associated feeling of pleasure were key aspects driving addiction (Soroka et al, 2020). When looking into BJM 18,2 190 The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/1746-5265.htm how this stimulating process was activated in the case of work addiction, research focused on demanding organizational conditions.…”

Understanding Work Addiction in Adult Children: The Effect of Addicted Parents and Work Motivation

“…Work plays a key role in people’s lives providing positive aspects such as salary and financial comfort, access to the community, and new relationships [ 1 ]. Addressing things from a psychological perspective, such positive effects of work as the ability to meet important needs [ 2 ], a sense of identity and the notion of the purpose in life are worth mentioning [ 1 ]. However, due to a rising number of people over-engaged in work [ 3 , 4 , 5 ], understanding negative types of work-related behaviors has attracted a great deal of attention.…”

Moderating role of perceived work addiction of managers in the relationship between employees' perfectionism and work addiction: a trait activation theory perspective

“…In response to such conditions, employees put more effort into their work. On the one hand, engaging in work helps employees develop their identity and meet many important needs (Soroka et al, 2020). However, some people become extremely absorbed in work, which results in their personal well-being, health and interpersonal relationships being affected adversely (Clark et al, 2016).…”

“…In response to such conditions, employees put more effort into their work. On the one hand, engaging in work helps employees develop their identity and meet many important needs (Soroka et al. , 2020).…”