Gender, effort-reward imbalance at work, and burnout : Findings from a developing Caribbean country

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine gender as a key moderator in the relationship between effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and burnout among employees in Caribbean workplaces. Design/methodology/approach Based on a survey sample of 323 employees in a small developing country in the Caribbean, this study tested the hypothesis that the stressor–strain relationship (captured by ERI and burnout) is stronger for women than for men. Findings The results revealed that the effect of high effort-low rewards (i.e. ERI) on burnout among females was significantly larger than its effect on burnout for males. In contrast, high effort-high rewards were significantly associated with higher burnout levels for males. Research limitations/implications The study used a cross-sectional approach using self-report measures of burnout, effort and rewards. Practical implications Management in organisations should ensure that male and female employees’ efforts and contributions at work are appropriately and fairly rewarded as a means of reducing negative effects of ERIs. Originality/value The study examined how gender moderated the adverse effects of a popular work-stress model on employee health in a developing country context.