Learned Helplessness of Employees in Business Organizations: Antecedents and Coping Strategies

The relevance of the research topic is due to the frequent manifestations of learned helplessness among employees of business organizations, which leads to significant professional and emotional losses. The concept of learned helplessness was introduced by M. Seligman and is characterized by the state when a person or an animal, accustomed to uncontrollable negative conditions, stops taking actions to change them even if there is such an opportunity. The paper focuses on the importance of studying this phenomenon because its presence significantly affects the motivation, productivity and emotional state of workers, which subsequently affects the performance of the entire organization. The object of the study is the employees of business organizations, while the subject includes the features of manifestations of learned helplessness among these employees. The purpose of the study is to identify the factors contributing to the formation of learned helplessness among employees of business organizations, as well as to formulate recommendations for overcoming this condition. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were set: analysis of existing theories and approaches to the study of the phenomenon of learned helplessness, development of empirical research methodology, conducting research among employees of various business organizations, and interpretation of the obtained data for the development of recommendations. To achieve the research goal, a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was applied. Questionnaires, interviewing and observation were used to collect data on employees' subjective experiences and objective working conditions. Correlation and regression analysis techniques were used in analyzing the data to identify the relationship between various factors and the level of learned helplessness. Based on the results of the study, the key factors contributing to the formation of learned helplessness in employees of business organizations were identified. These include inadequate management style, insufficient support from management, monotony and monotony of work tasks, and lack of clear career prospects. It is also found that employees suffering from learned helplessness demonstrate low motivation, frequent manifestations of stress and emotional burnout. Based on the analysis of the obtained data, recommendations aimed at overcoming and preventing learned helplessness of employees are proposed. In conclusion, the importance of creating a favorable working environment where employees feel support and the opportunity for personal and professional growth is emphasized. The implementation of the proposed recommendations can significantly increase the motivation and productivity of employees, contributing to the sustainable development of business organizations.