Workaholics - Research Proposal Example

Workaholics: A Research Proposal al Affiliation Workaholics: A Research Proposal Topic of Interest One is interested to determine whether Americans work too hard in terms of complying with the prescribed 40-hour work week, as compared to other people across the globe. Likewise, one also aims to determine the effect of working more, in terms of additional working hours over the 40-hour work week, in overall job performance and productivity. Overall, one intends to define manifestations of exhibiting characteristics of being pegged as workaholics, and the impact this alleged overindulgence to work, on the individual, on the employer, and to other members of society.

Rationale for Interest The interest on the topic emerged from recognizing that current job responsibilities in various work endeavors tend to manifest increasing challenges that necessitate longer working hours than expected. As organizations have been continually besieged with economic and financial challenges, in conjunction with increasing competition, various strategies that aim to minimize cost from the workforce include requiring current personnel to do multi-tasking activities and assuming responsibilities of others.

The current study therefore aims to determine the impact of adding responsibilities and work load on a limited pool of personnel in the long run.Research QuestionsDo Americans work too hard?Does working more actually reduce productivity?Is a 40-hour work week too much?Should there be a mandatory cap on the number of hours a person can work?Should there be changes in employment laws to give *Americans more relaxation time?ReferencesLee, S., McCann, D., & Messenger, J. (2007). Working Time Around the World.

Routledge: Taylor & Francis.Miller, G. (2010, October 12). The U.S. is the Most Overworked Developed Nation in the World – When do we Draw the Line? Retrieved from 20 Something Finance: http://20somethingfinance.com/american-hours-worked-productivity-vacation/Rettner, R., & MyHealthNewsDaily. (2013, January 29). Overworked Doctors May Jeopardize Patient Safety. Retrieved from Scientific American: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=overworked-doctors-may-jeopardize-patient-safetyStein, L.

(2012, March 21). Workaholism. Retrieved from HealthDay: http://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/article.asp?AID=646679