Vargas Orlando Thesis 2018
Vargas Orlando Thesis 2018
Vargas Orlando Thesis 2018
By
Orlando Vargas
August 2018
The graduate project of Orlando Vargas is approved:
_________________________________________ ________________
Dr. Rhonda Franklin Date
_________________________________________ _________________
Dr. Mylon Winn Date
_________________________________________ _________________
Dr. Henrik Palasani-Minassians, Chair Date
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Table of Contents
Signature Page ii
Abstract iv
Section 1: Introduction 1
Research Aims 2
Leadership Styles 3
Supervisor-Subordinate Relationship 5
Job Satisfaction 5
Organizational Commitment 7
Health/Personal Issues 8
References 18
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Abstract
By
Orlando Vargas
employee morale. This has been done by examining the most common reasons for
design would be implemented. Interviews would be conducted with employees who are
affected by employee absenteeism. The results gathered will help us evaluate the overall
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Introduction
The topic of choice for this research design is absenteeism within the public
sector. This topic is critical to examine because absenteeism in the workplace can
influence employee morale (Scott & Taylor, 2017). Absenteeism is an issue that can
affect not only the employee with bad attendance habits, but also fellow co-workers or
the entire organization (Sadri & Lewis, 1995). Many organizations take pride in their
create a positive work environment and to increase employee morale (Blau, 1986).
However, what happens when employee morale decreases and employees begin to lose
faith in the organization? The organization begins to suffer in productivity and is often
This research design will focus on the issue of bad attendance habits and its effect
within a certain period (“Tackling absenteeism,” 2006). There are different causes
resulting in low employee morale that can be attributed to the working conditions of an
organization (Cohen & Golan, 2007). We must find the answers to some of the most
troubling questions, such as What are the main causes of employee absenteeism? Does
employees? What effect does absenteeism have on the organization? Is low employee
morale a result of employee absenteeism? This research design will attempt to prove that
1
Research Aims
Overall, the purpose of the research is to examine the lasting effects from
absenteeism in the public sector and its correlation to employee morale and productivity.
There are many different factors that can cause bad attendance habits, such as health
issues, family or personal issues, lack of motivation, an increased workload, bad work
important to consider all possible reasons of absenteeism to find the most common
underlying issues. The research may be helpful in detecting the effects on employee
morale and productivity, which can provide solutions to protect against these threats.
The research will also attempt to measure employee morale based on the attitudes
the perceptions and attitudes of individuals are ever changing. For the purpose of this
study, employee morale will be measured with the level of job satisfaction and
employee morale are tenure with the organization, age of the employee, and career goals.
advance their career or if they are simply looking towards retirement. The amount of
years an employee has spent with an organization can also determine the loyalty of the
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Literature Review
information collected through the research demonstrates that there is not one simple
component, but rather a myriad of components that makes it difficult to prevent employee
absenteeism. Some of the recurring themes found in the research include leadership
Leadership Styles
There are many determinants of absenteeism that are out of the control of
managers. However, leadership style is one of the determinants that managers can
control (Frooman, Mendelson, & Murphy, 2012). Leadership styles and the relationships
between supervisor and subordinate have also been found to have an influence on
absenteeism in the workplace (Dular & Markic, 2012). Tepper (2007) specifically
discusses the abusive leadership style that is reminiscent of bullying. This type of
behavior leads to a hostile work environment and a negative response from the
subordinate towards the supervisor and organization (Tepper, 2007). Similarly, the fear
of negative consequences for poorly performed work can also have an influence on
employee absenteeism (Dular & Markic, 2012). An employee who is not confident in the
performance of their own work may decide to not perform at all (Dular & Markic, 2012).
an innovative culture and organizational learning (Zhu, Chew, & Spangler, 2005).
Further studies have shown that transformational leadership has had either a negative
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transformational leadership style consists of qualities such as strong morals,
empower them and make them feel responsible and accountable (Frooman et al., 2012).
Research has demonstrated that employees experience more job satisfaction with
leaders who are supportive and encourage their subordinates to achieve more (Zhu et al.,
type of leadership style leads to increased employee job satisfaction (Frooman et al.,
2012). This increased job satisfaction and positive environment at work encourages
employees to consistently come to work with a positive attitude while working with a
The transactional leadership style involves several transactions between the leader
and subordinate, including rewards for the transactions rendered (Frooman et al., 2012).
These incentives are used to encourage employee performance but it is not always
successful because it does not give the employee any sense of responsibility nor does it
is passive avoidance. A passive avoidant leader is passive and un-attentive to the needs
of the subordinates (Frooman et al., 2012). The leader does not consider the opinions of
the subordinates during decision making and is solely concerned with advancing his or
her needs (Frooman et al., 2012). Therefore, the subordinates do not have a vision or
guide to follow, so their job interest decreases (Frooman et al., 2012). This can lead to
the development of Theory X employees (Sania, Kalpina, & Javed, 2015). This type of
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leadership style results in decreased employee job satisfaction, which can eventually turn
Supervisor-Subordinate Relationship
motivation to go to work (Dular & Markic, 2012). Biron and Bamberger (2012) also
agree that having a strong support system at work can reduce employee absenteeism.
Employees who perceive their supervisor or manager to be less supportive often lack
focus at work, which affects employee morale and in turn affects employee absenteeism
keep employees motivated and focused while at work, while also encouraging employees
to come to work (Dular & Markic, 2012). Ko and Hur (2014) also agree that managerial
Using the social exchange theory, they discovered that traditional benefits are not
between superior and subordinate (Baird & Bradley, 1978). The leadership style a leader
chooses to implement will determine how effective they are able to communicate
needed between managers and subordinates to discuss and resolve any issues before they
Job Satisfaction
employee turnover (Porter & Steers, 1973). Disgruntled employees who are not satisfied
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with their job will tend to gradually increase their levels of absenteeism and eventually
consider leaving the organization for a different position or organization (Porter & Steers,
1973). Cohen and Galan (2007) also examined the correlation between employee
absenteeism and employee turnover. Data results revealed that employees with higher
levels of absenteeism showed early predictors of future employee turnover (Cohen &
Golan, 2007). Furthermore, absenteeism and turnover are interrelated and are signs of an
A study conducted by Scott and Taylor (2017) examined previous research that
explored the relationship between job satisfaction and absenteeism. It was found that
employees and improve employee attendance (Scott & Taylor, 2017). This is explained
further through Douglas McGregor’s Theory X (low employee morale) and Theory Y
(high employee morale) (Sania et al., 2015). A Theory Y employee can be defined as an
employee who is satisfied with the job, is creative, takes initiative, is committed to the
organization, and focuses on achieving organizational goals (Sania et al., 2015). On the
other hand, a Theory X employee can be defined as an employee who is dissatisfied with
the job, lacks motivation, and avoids responsibility (Sania et al., 2015). The attributes
Many organizations are now focused on customer service rather than profits
(Jerome & Kleiner, 1995). Maintaining positive relationships with clients and customers
is necessary to uphold the vision statement, mission statement, and goals of the
organization (Jerome & Kleiner, 1995). Sania et al. (2015) state that employee morale is
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as important as customer satisfaction. Therefore, the employees dealing with the
customers are vital to the success of the organization (Sania et al., 2015). Employees
must be satisfied with their job to perform their duties efficiently (Sania et al., 2015).
Jerome and Kleiner (1995) emphasize that organizations are now investing in people.
organizations (Jerome & Kleiner, 1995). Organizations are aware that motivated
Another study by Baird and Bradley (1978) suggests that an employee’s job
employees’ performances and, to a lesser degree, his or her perceptions of the quality of
his or her own performance. Employees tend to socialize with one another during and
after work hours, so a lot of information is readily shared between them. The disparity of
quantity and quality of work produced among the employees can have a trickling effect
(Baird & Bradley, 1978). These noticeable behaviors can influence motivation and
Organizational Commitment
committees, attends meetings, and is looking to advance the organization is less likely to
be tardy or absent on a consistent basis (Blau, 1986). This is consistent with Douglas
McGregor’s Theory Y employees (Sania et al., 2015). On the other hand, an employee
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can lead to frequent absences or tardiness (Blau, 1986). This is consistent with Douglas
Sadri and Lewis (1995) proclaim the three best ways to combat absenteeism in the
managing employee absenteeism (Sadri & Lewis, 1995). A manager must consider the
organizational environment, along with the characteristics of the employee, and choose
the most appropriate solution (Sadri & Lewis, 1995). In contrast, Frooman et al. (2012)
believe that the characteristics of the employee are irrelevant because the leadership style
Health/Personal Issues
Stewart, 2002). These results indicate that a person who drinks alcohol on a frequent
basis has a difficult time attending work (McFarlin & Fals-Stewart, 2002). Johnson and
Indvik (1997) agree with McFarlin & Fals-Stewart in that alcoholism can lead to
depression. The reason for this is because alcohol influences an individual’s impairment,
which can lead to deeper and more severe health issues that prevent them from going to
Johnson and Indvik (1997) focused their research on stress and depression in the
workplace. These two factors were found to contribute to 290 million work days lost per
year, which totals an annual national cost of 43.7 billion dollars per year (Johnson &
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Indvik, 1997). As noted, alcoholism can be a sign of depression (McFarlin & Fals-
Stewart, 2002). McFarlin and Fals-Stewart (2002) also found that increased alcoholism
leads to patterns of absenteeism that must be addressed before they become inevitable.
employees who suffer from stress and depression or alcohol issues can seek professional
help. Stress and depression in the workplace usually lead to lower productivity and
Individual life choices however are not the only contributors to absenteeism in the
workplace. For example, a study demonstrated that employees with high levels of
financial stress are more likely to experience higher levels of absenteeism (Kim,
Sorhaindo, & Garman, 2006). This type of stress is another health concern that results in
workplace absenteeism (Kim et al., 2006). Johnson and Indvik (1997) agree that
pressures from work and family situations cause an individual to mentally deteriorate,
which often leads to more absent days from work (Vignoli, Guglielmi, Bonfiglioli, &
Violante, 2016). Goff, Mount and Jamison (1990) also studied this area and found that
less family conflict was related to lower levels of absenteeism. Family conflict was
found to be a stressor that affects the overall health of an employee (Goff et al., 1990).
This information coincides with Johnson and Indvik’s data results, which demonstrates a
link between stressors and workplace absenteeism (Johnson & Indvik, 1997). An
employee who suffers from constant stress at home will not be able to concentrate at
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work (Vignoli et al., 2016). These increased levels of stress can result in higher levels of
choice that has been attributed to absenteeism is smoking. Smokers also had a
significantly greater absenteeism rate than did non-smokers (Halpern, Shikiar, Rentz, &
Khan, 2001). Like alcohol consumption, smoking is an individual choice that can
influence a person’s body if an individual is not able to control their behavior (Halpern et
al., 2001). McFarlin and Fals-Stewart (2002) believe that alcohol consumption has
greater effects than smoking because alcohol is considered a depressant and the person
abusing the alcohol will not only suffer from health issues, but their state of mind and
work habits will also be affected. However, Halpern et al. (2001) argue that smoking can
also cause other health related issues. These health issues can be such a concern that they
Health concerns because of bad habits, age, climate change, or hereditary are
causes of workplace absenteeism that managers are unable to control. Lofland and Frick
(2006) conducted a study that revealed employees who have a higher level of access to
health care are more likely to miss work more frequently. The reason for this is because
having immediate access to health care gives an employee the opportunity to care for
their health more consistently, which is usually done within working hours (Lofland &
Frick, 2006). Regular check-ups and other follow up visits are not as common with those
lacking appropriate access to health care, so they will often report to work even when
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The overall health of the employees is the main concern that some managers try
to tackle when dealing with workplace absenteeism, but this is sometimes out of their
healthy and safe, employees are less likely to become chronic absentees (“Tackling
absenteeism,” 2006). This contradicts Lofland and Frick’s (2006) research because their
results revealed that it doesn’t really matter if an employee is healthy or unhealthy, but
access to health care is the main cause of workplace absenteeism when looking at
absenteeism from a health standpoint. The healthy employees must maintain their health
to go to work consistently, so they will still miss work to take care of their health,
depending on their access to proper health care (Lofland & Frick, 2006).
The relationship between strenuous work tasks and poor health has been studied
absenteeism (Vignoli et al., 2016). Not only do job stressors negatively impact an
employee’s health, but they also negatively impact their ability to show up to work
consistently (Vignoli et al., 2016). Calling out sick from work may be used by
employees as a coping mechanism to deal with the stressful job demands (Johnson &
Indvik, 1997). Many employees can feel burned out by the number of tasks or
assignments at work. Some employees would rather stay home and conserve some
involuntary absence because it is not that the employee is unwilling to go to work, but
rather they are unable to go to work due to a health issue (Vignoli et al., 2016). Further
exploration into the emotional and stressful tasks recognizes that stress has an impact on
an employee’s attitude (Cho & Song, 2017). This type of attitude change can lead to a
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decreased employee morale in an organization, which can lead to a lack of organizational
trust between the employees and higher rates of absenteeism (Cho & Song, 2017).
Another personal issue that can affect employee absenteeism is lack of child care.
Goff et al. (1990) examined the relationship between lack of child care and employee
absenteeism. The study attempted to prove that having a child care center at work would
reduce workplace absenteeism (Goff et al., 1990). However, the results failed to prove
the hypothesis that use of a child care center at work would reduce absenteeism of
employed parents (Goff et al., 1990). It was found that employees are more likely to stay
home from work if they don’t have proper child care at home so their children are taken
care of properly (Goff et al., 1990). On the other hand, a study conducted by James
Gerard Caillier (2016) focused on the effects of family-friendly programs and its
correlation to absenteeism and turnover in the public sector. Results showed that
employers who provided programs such as dependent care and elderly care to its
employees had a lower rate of employee absenteeism and turnover (Caillier, 2016).
Boise and Neal (1996) studied the aspect of child care along with the care of the
elderly. They found that employees caring for their children had a higher rate of
absenteeism than did employees caring for their parents (Boise & Neal, 1996). It was
also noted that employees are more comfortable leaving an elderly person at home under
the care of another person than leaving a child at home under the care of another person
(Boise & Neal, 1996). Goff et al. (1990) also found that parents were not comfortable
leaving their child under the care of a random person. The security and proper care of
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Researchers have suggested a remedy to resolve the inconvenience of having to
find a responsible person to care for a loved one is to offer alternate work schedules. A
study by Dalton and Mesch (1990) was conducted to determine the impact of flexible
the implementation of a flexible work schedule (Dalton & Mesch, 1990). These results
show that working with an employee and offering a plausible solution to reduce
absenteeism can prove to be effective (Dalton & Mesch, 1990). However, Boise and
Neal (1996) state that flexible work schedules will not have an impact on workplace
absenteeism if the employee does not have appropriate child care/elderly care.
States. The article “Tackling absenteeism in the workplace” (2006) explores the cost of
work absenteeism to the economy in the United Kingdom and it was found that a total of
ten to twelve billion pounds annually can be attributed to employee absenteeism. One of
the reasons for this considerable cost is because employee absenteeism leads to a reduced
productivity, which means more overtime hours may be needed to accomplish the goals
of the organization (“Tackling absenteeism,” 2006). Sadri and Lewis (1995) would agree
that the goals of the organization are greatly impacted by high absenteeism rates.
Cohen and Golan (2007) conducted a study and they concluded that prior
many researchers as a behavior that can increase in occurrences unless it is stopped in its
early stages (Porter & Steers, 1973). Organizations must focus on understanding the
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motives behind employee absenteeism to prevent future absences and to retain its
There have been many studies analyzing the possible causes of workplace
absenteeism. However, previous research findings have suggested that sampling errors,
inadequate scales, and the use of different measures of job satisfaction and absence are
the reasons for inconsistencies in previous empirical research that examined the
relationship between job satisfaction and absenteeism (Scott & Taylor, 2017). Therefore,
it is important to continue to research the gap between employee absenteeism and low
employee morale, as previous attempts to examine this relationship has not produced
effective results. If there is a direct correlation between these two variables, we may be
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Research Methodology
provide insight into the underlying issues of workplace absenteeism, as well as the
measuring the views and opinions of employees, we can determine if they possess a low
The use of in-depth interviews helps to further understand the opinions and
attitudes of employees on workplace absenteeism. The interviews will help us view the
reactions of the employees that are affected by employee absenteeism and the ways these
employees cope with absenteeism in the workplace. Interviews allow clarification and
The data collected through interviews will need to be coded to establish patterns
observed. Charts will be created to represent the attitudes of the employees about
employee absenteeism and how it affects their own work productivity and employee
morale. The strategy used to obtain these data methods will be to conduct in person
interviews of an entire unit (Unit A) that assists another unit (Unit B) when they are short
on staff. Employee attendance reviews and district rosters will be combined to match
those units with high rates of employee absenteeism. The units will be selected based on
a unit that has a high rate of employee absenteeism. The purpose and intent behind the
capability to compare answers in the same manner. There will be a mixture of close-
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ended and open-ended questions. The purpose of the open-ended questions is to give the
Data results will allow the opportunity to create charts that demonstrate patterns
of how employees react to absenteeism. The charts will be categorized to show those
who are negatively affected, positively affected, or no impact at all. We can then analyze
the lasting effects of this impact and possible behavior changes in the employees.
the research. The offer for anonymity will be presented to the subjects prior to their
participation in the research. This will allow the subjects to express their feelings and
emotions more freely, which in turn will create less biased responses. There will be no
The validity and credibility of the research will be determined by the level of
honesty of the participants. The answers provided may not always be the complete truth
because the participants want to avoid any repercussions for them or other people
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Expected Contributions and Research Closure
The research conducted will provide results as to why certain employees have bad
attendance habits. The research will also provide results on how these actions affect the
employee morale within an organization in the public sector. It is expected that the
research will also contribute towards solutions to rectifying absenteeism in the workplace
and methods to maintain and improve employee morale. The research may be distributed
and shared via a published article. Researching and analyzing the cause and effect of
the public sector because it affects productivity. Productivity in the workplace needs to
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Caillier, J.G. (2016). Does satisfaction with family-friendly programs reduce turnover? A
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