Exploring new frontiers to generate an integrated definition of workaholism

Abstract

In general, contemporary data indicate that workaholism represents a value system about the importance of working and achieving that certainly does not meet the scientific criteria for addiction, as it is associated with a similar quality of health and relationships to that of the rest of the adult population, and generally does not worsen over time (McMilIan and O'Driscoll, 2004). Interestingly, while the majority of workaholics appear to derive high enjoyment from their work and their leisure, it is their reluctance to utilize psychological `off-buttons' that potentially makes them a challenging group for management professionals (Machlowitz, 1980).