Using hybrid SEM - artificial intelligence approach to examine the nexus between boreout, generation, career, life and job satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose Boreout is a psychological state of intense boredom and apathy. Characterized by the absence of mental stimuli (i.e. menial tasks) required to keep employees conscious about their environment, and this incessant decline in mental stimuli may turn employees into “professional zombies.” The diversity in work needs and preferences across generations has become a key organizational factor, generational differences have been studied in Western countries, not much information is available about generational cohorts and satisfaction (i.e. career, life and job satisfaction) in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to provide more insights on these phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon conservation of resources theory, this paper examines the potential effects of boreout on important job outcomes (i.e. career, life and job satisfaction) conditioned by generation (Gen-Xers and Gen-Yers) in the service industry. Data analyses with Artificial Intelligence technique (i.e. artificial neural network) and structural equation modeling were conducted with data collated from Nigerian service employees.

Findings Results revealed that boreout has a negative impact on career, life and job satisfaction. The hypothesized relationships were significantly moderated by generation cohorts as Gen-Xers and Gen-Yers were found to be distinct cohorts.

Originality/value This paper advocates that non-western organizations should avoid utmost service standardization and rigid stylization of work processes and procedures