(The Effect of Emotional Labor Behavior on Emotional Burnout in Lawyers: A Model Proposal)

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the emotional labor of the lawyers registered in Manisa-Izmir provinces on their emotional exhaustion towards their clients by means of a proposed model. Design/methodology/approach – In order to analyze the data, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to describe the causal relationships between latent variables and to test the compatibility of the determined model. First, emotional labor sub-dimensions were determined with explanatory factor analysis (EFA) and then the validity of factor structures was tested by employing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Findings – The analysis of the results revealed that, as the surface acting (yu) increased in the lawyers, the emotional exhaustion (dt) decreased and as the normal acting (do) increased, the emotional exhaustion is increased; but these hypotheses could not supported. On the other hand, it was statistically supported that, as the deep acting of the lawyers towards their clients have increased, their emotional exhaustion is reduced. Discussion – The effect of Emotional Labor Behavior on Emotional Burnout in Lawyers developed in this study can be considered as a comprehensive model in the current literature. Attorneys will be able to exhibit positive attitudes towards their clients as a result of perceiving and internalizing problems related to their clients. Thus, the relationship and communication with their clients can be more lively. Since the model created in the study is in the form of initial and suggestion, it can be said that it is important to develop it by adding new dimensions.