Lateness as a withdrawal behavior.

Studied 131 23–60 yr old female telephone operators on whom objective records were available over a 2-yr period for measuring days and length of time late, as well as days absent with and without a medical excuse. Ss also responded to an attitude questionnaire that included measures of job and life satisfaction, work tedium, and work needs. Lateness was a stable pattern of behavior. Although lateness had a stronger relationship with unexcused than medical absences, the relationship between lateness and unexcused absenteeism was not progressive. Job satisfaction and work tedium were generally significant predictors of lateness but not of absenteeism. The contrasting findings for lateness and absenteeism are analyzed in light of recent applications of expectancy theory to understanding withdrawal decisions. (31 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)