'Work absenteeism is always a sign of work dissatisfaction.' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. 12 Marks: use generic levels of response in table C. Syllabus: attitudes to work: absenteeism (Blau and Boal, 1987) Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited): For: ∞ high levels of absenteeism are associated with work dissatisfaction ∞ irregular patterns of absence, such as one day here and there, suggests dissatisfaction ∞ if a worker is absent for stress, there is logically some dissatisfaction with work Against: ∞ there are many other reasons for absenteeism, such as illness ∞ there are other ways in which a worker can express dissatisfaction – leaving the job, sabotage ∞ the worker may simply be 'lazy' and absenteeism is one aspect of a 'lazy' lifestyle