A Flight Path to Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Continuous Learning between Burnout and Work Performance in Aviation Professionals

Cataldo Giuliano Gemmano, Maria Luisa Giancaspro, Sara Galiotto and Amelia Manuti ()
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Cataldo Giuliano Gemmano: Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
Maria Luisa Giancaspro: Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
Sara Galiotto: Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
Amelia Manuti: Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy

Social Sciences, 2024, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: The profession of airline pilots is characterized by high levels of stress and a significant risk of burnout. The health emergency period has exacerbated these challenges to health and well-being, with long COVID adding further strain to aviation professionals even in the post-pandemic scenario. In this context, it is essential to promote positive organizational behaviors to reconcile individual well-being with work performance. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms linking burnout to work performance behaviors (i.e., proficiency, adaptivity, and proactivity) among pilots, hypothesizing the mediating role of continuous learning behaviors. Based on the Conservation of Resources theory, we posited that burnout depletes pilots’ resources, thereby hindering continuous learning and reducing performance behaviors. Moreover, this study examined the work-related stress factors that could affect burnout and the consequences of performance behaviors on actual performance measured by a flight simulator. Data were collected from 123 pilots through an online survey and analyzed using path analysis. The results revealed that continuous learning mediated the relationship between burnout and work performance behaviors. Furthermore, work-related stress factors were significantly related to burnout, and work performance behaviors were linked to flight simulator performance. Our findings underscored the critical role of continuous learning in explaining the adverse effects of burnout on performance. These insights could inform targeted interventions to promote continuous learning and stress management among aviation professionals, ensuring sustained performance and well-being in the long term.

Keywords: burnout; work performance; continuous learning; pilots; conservation of resources (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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