Checking the healthiness of commitment profile from its prediction of burnout

Abstract

This paper examines the commitment profiles of Hong Kong Chinese architecture students with the 3-factor model of professional commitment and its impact on burnout. The Chinese version of Maslach Burnout Inventory – Student Survey and adapted version of Occupational Commitment Questionnaire are administered to measure burnout and commitment profile. Multiple regression models are performed with burnout dimensions as dependent variables, the three facets of commitment, namely affective, continuance and normative commitment, as independent variables, and demographic variables as controlling variables. The findings are consistent across different models that continuance commitment is positively, affective and normative commitment negatively, associated with burnout. The study suggests, from its relationship with burnout, a healthy commitment profile is composed of more affective and normative commitments and less continuance commitment in the population of architecture students. Architectural schools are advised to be more aware of the types of commitments encouraged in their curriculum and pedagogy.