Withdrawaladfærd

Withdrawaladfærd is a Danish term for withdrawal behavior, describing patterns of disengagement from social or organizational activities. It encompasses cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects of disengagement and can occur in personal life or workplace settings.

In psychology and organizational behavior, withdrawaladfærd refers to a voluntary disengagement from work tasks, social interactions, or both. It differs from mere absence by including attitudes and intentions, not only observable actions.

Dimensions commonly described include physical withdrawal (absenteeism, lateness); cognitive and affective withdrawal (daydreaming, reduced concentration, emotional detachment); social withdrawal (reduced communication, isolation); and task withdrawal (reduced effort, deliberate underperformance). These facets can occur independently or together and may be difficult to detect early.

Causes of withdrawaladfærd include job dissatisfaction, burnout, stress, poor supervisor support, perceived unfairness, lack of autonomy, and adverse work conditions. External factors such as personal health or family responsibilities can also contribute. It often arises as a coping response to negative experiences in a social or work setting.

Consequences of withdrawaladfærd can be reduced individual performance, diminished team effectiveness, higher turnover risk, and a negative workplace climate. Measurements typically combine self-report scales with objective data such as attendance records or turnover, and may be supplemented by observations. Interventions focus on improving job design, strengthening leadership support, enhancing communication, and providing wellness resources to reduce disengagement.