Professor University of Wisconsin at Whitewater University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin, United States
Abstract: This study examines the effects of professional networking and burnout on the organizational and professional commitment of Human Resource professionals, as well as the potential moderating relationship of professional networking on the relationships between job burnout and organizational and professional commitment. This study seeks to advance research on social capital and burnout by providing evidence of the positive effects, as well as moderation through professional networking channels such as LinkedIn forums, professional memberships in organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), or other HR support work groups. Utilizing OLS to examine these relationships, burnout significantly impacted both professional and organizational commitment. Professional networking had a significant positive influence on the relationship between burnout and commitment. The results provide insight into factors that assist HR professionals in lessening the effects of burnout, while also increasing organizational and professional commitment. Burnout research has not focused much attention on HR professionals, who are often the link between managers and employees. HR professionals have become more integral in organizations’ strategies, processes and protocols. Burnout and lack of both professional and organizational commitment from this group of employees could be detrimental to organizations. Keywords: professional networking, burnout, organizational commitment
