Classified Organisations’ Personnel Burnout Effects and Performance Outcomes: Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction

Abstract

Classified personnel, particularly those working for intelligence and security organisations, are subjected to high psychological and operational pressures that influence their well-being and performance. This study investigates the role of job satisfaction as a mediating factor in the interaction between work environment, job demand, transactional stress, and social support on performance outcomes in Nigeria's classified sector. 344 respondents were chosen by random sampling, and Likert-scale 1 – 7 questionnaires were used to gather data. SmartPLS v4.1.0.1 and SPSS v25 were used for descriptive and inferential analysis. Results show that the impacts of all four exogenous variables on performance are considerably mediated by job satisfaction. Supportive work environments improved performance and satisfaction, and high job demand also had a beneficial impact, suggesting that employees are resilient. Through satisfaction, social support and transactional stress also affected results. At the 5% level, every hypothesis was accepted. The study emphasises the necessity for emotionally helpful work environments and incorporates the Job Demand-Control-Support and Social Support theories within Nigeria's classified agencies. To prevent burnout and maintain high performance, institutional changes including planned rest, psychological support, and compassionate leadership are suggested. Despite data restrictions brought on by confidentiality requirements, the results provide a distinctive perspective on the psychological makeup of classified personnel, with ramifications for human resource planning and national security management.