(The Relationship between Burnout and Organizational Commitment: An Examination on Swimming Referees)

Abstract

Purpose – Burnout and organizational commitment are important issues for both profit-making organizations and non-profit associations, foundations or federations for the efficiency and success of those working. The aim of this study is to examine the burnout and organizational commitment status of referees working under sports federations and whether the situation changes according to demographic characteristics, and also the relationship between burnout and organizational commitment. Design/methodology/approach – For this purpose, a study was made for the 2017-2018 season on 2136 referees of Turkish Swimming Federation. 522 referees were answered the Google survey form. Quantitative research method was used. Copenhagen Burnout Scale was used to determine burnout status and Allen Meyer's (1990) Organizational Commitment Scale was used to determine organizational commitment. Data were analyzed with a statistical program. Mean values were analyzed and T-test, ANOVA and factor and correlation analyzes were used. Findings – Obtained findings show that the burnout level of swimming referees is low. Similar to many studies in the literature, a significant and negative relationship was found between the referees' burnout and organizational commitment. Although refereeing is considered as a hobby or ancillary work, the findings show that burnout also affects organizational commitment in this area. In addition, it can be stated that the referees' emotional and normative commitment is high and continuation commitment is low. Discussion – Arbitration in sports other than football and basketball in Turkey is not seen as a permanent job or business. Therefore, the referees always try to find a permanent job or to earn money and have social security. Although the overall average of the referees is not high, the level of burnout increases as the qualifications increase. From this point of view, it can be argued that it is important to determine and minimize the factors that increase the burnout level in order to have qualified manpower in order to perform the task of arbitration in the best way.