ABSTRACT
This research encompasses two main concepts and aimed to analyse them both theoretical and empirically: burnout syndrome and affective organisational commitment. 249 five-point standardised Likert-scale questionnaires were filled out and 16 interviews, supported by semi-structured schedules were undertaken with Eletronorte managers. The research hypothesis was that these managers would have typical burnout behaviour and a positive relationship between this syndrome and attitudinal commitment would be find. Inferential analyses were done and medium level of burnout syndrome on the emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and low personal accomplishment were identified. 27,7% of the managers presented medium or high levels on the three syndrome factors, stressing the low personal accomplishment factor; 61,8% and 36,14% of the research participants showed high and medium levels, respectively, of attitudinal commitment. The hypothesis was accepted upon the burnout syndrome, but rejected on the positive relationship between that syndrome and commitment. The results can be useful to understand factors less explored on the organisational behaviour field, especially amongst managers that work on organisations which are on changing process.
KEYWORDS:
Burnout syndrome; Affective organizational commitment; State-owned organization