Workaholism among Norwegian journalists: gender differences

Abstract

Purpose

Although workaholism in organizations has received considerable popular attention, our understanding of it based on research evidence is limited. This results from the absence of both suitable definitions and measures of the concept. The purpose of this paper is to examine gender differences in three workaholism components, workaholic job behaviors and work and well‐being outcomes among Norwegian journalists.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 211 journalists (138 males and 68 females) using anonymously completed questionnaires, with a 43 percent response rate.

Findings

Females and males are found to differ on some personal and situational demographic characteristics, and on one of three workaholism components (feeling driven to work, females scoring higher). Females however report higher levels of particular outcomes (e.g. negative affect, exhaustion) and less professional efficacy, likely to be associated with lower levels of satisfaction and well‐being. Females and males score similarly on the experience of flow at work and absenteeism.

Research limitations

All data are collected using self report questionnaires. It is not clear the extent to which these findings would generalize to men and women in other occupations.

Originality/value

This study adds to the small but growing literature on flow and optimal experience in organizations.

Citation

Burke, R.J. and Berge Matthiesen, S. (2009), "Workaholism among Norwegian journalists: gender differences", Equal Opportunities International, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 452-464. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610150910980765