The Social and Relational Dynamics of Absenteeism From Work: A Multilevel Review and Integration

Abstract

Absenteeism from work is disruptive and expensive for organizations and may be indicative of poor work adjustment for employees. Yet, traditional individual-centric explanations for absence are inadequate, particularly given the rise of relational, team-focused, and customer-driven work designs and in growing recognition of the permeable boundary between work and nonwork. Although there has been considerable research interest in social and relational causations of absenteeism, limited effort has been spent systematizing the evidence and formulating an overall model of the social dynamics of the behavior. Our review integrates this multidisciplinary body of research, explicating the social and relational determinants of absenteeism. We propose a multilevel model that identifies the social factors shaping absence that stem from the work (organization, occupation) and nonwork (family, community, nation or society) domains. The model establishes six primary paths and related theories through which these social factors operate, encompassing normative influence, social exchange, job resources, work attitudes, emotions, and ethics. The review offers evidence for the influence of the social context and provides insights concerning how team dynamics, occupational norms, gender composition, family demands, community forces, and cultural context affect absenteeism. We conclude with future research directions and social implications for attendance management, bridging absenteeism and presenteeism literatures.