Journal of Social Science for Policy Implications

Cultural Variations in Job Burnout in a Social Work Setting: A Cross-Cultural Comparison in Six Arab Cultures
Ibrahim Mohamed A I Alkaabi, Kaltham Alkuwari, Yousif S. Mahdi

Abstract
This investigation aims to examine the differences between social workers from Arab nations and their potential triggers for job burnout. Job burnout is a form of job stress involving physical, emotional, or mental fatigue and usually including beliefs of inadequate job competence. This form of stress can affect mental wellbeing and cause health complications for social workers. Therefore, it is important to prevent burnout to promote employees’ health and wellbeing. Research suggests that social workers are very likely to experience job burnout. Although there have been a few investigations into job burnout in the Middle East, none has studied this in various Arab nations. Thus, this research aims to identify the differences between Qatar, Egypt, Jordon, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman social workers’ burnout levels using self-reported questionnaires. The results indicate that social workers from Egypt are more susceptible to constructs affecting social workers identified in these Arab countries. The results are discussed with recommendations for prevention plans.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jsspi.v8n2a2