The relationship between perceived overqualification and counterproductive work behaviors: the mediating role of burnout and job boredom

Abstract

Overqualification denotes a state in which employees possess more skills, abilities and knowledge in relation to the job position they hold. It can be viewed either subjectively or objectively and is often associated with counterproductive work behaviors, work boredom, burnout as well as with low levels of job satisfaction and retention. Hence, the notion of overqualification has been widely researched worldwide. More specifically, in this present thesis, we first examined the direct relationship between perceived overqualification and counterproductive work behaviors. Then, we introduced job boredom and burnout as mediators between perceived overqualification and counterproductive work behaviors. The pure aim of the thesis was to contribute to the existing literature by examining these concepts in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry by testing if indeed job boredom and burnout mediate the aforementioned direct relationship. In our research, 282 employees from a company operating in the BPO industry responded to our questionnaire, in which anonymity was guaranteed. Conclusions support our initial hypotheses and denote that perceived overqualification is positively related to job boredom, burnout and counterproductive work behaviors. Ultimately, at the end of the thesis, practical and theoretical implications are introduced to top executives and senior leadership teams along with recommendations for future research and limitations of the present study.