Disenchanted employees may choose to withdraw from the organization in
at least four ways, viz., psychological withdrawal, lateness, absenteeism, and
turnover. There are reasons for assuming that these different forms of withdrawal
may be interrelated either negatively or positively. This study attempts
to determine the direction and strength of the relationships among the various
forms of withdrawal. The sample consisted of 651 employees from all levels of
five midwestern work organizations. Three methods of data collection were
used: structured interviews, a search through the companies' personnel records,
and supervisors' ratings. It was concluded that the four forms of withdrawal
are related with one another positively and with low to moderate
strength. Implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions for future
research are offered.