Typology and Performance Outcomes of Executives' Relationship with Work: Evidence from Executive and Life Partner Data

Research shows that executives’ relationship to their work comprises a broad set of diverse variables. Drawing on the job demands–resources model and top management research, we identify four typical patterns of how top executives handle their work: detached professionals, internally driven compensators, externally driven workaholics, and relaxed self-managers. We use the job demands/resources model and a qualitative study with 42 top executives to identify relevant variables to distinguish different patterns of work relationships. Empirical verification of the typology comes from a quantitative study with 224 top executives and their life partners. Performance variables are further validated with objective performance data.