Comparing correlates for different types of absence versus lateness behaviors

Using self-report measures of lateness and absence on pilot and main study samples, this study applied Dalton and Mesch's (1991) measurement approach to successfully "dissect" avoidable absence and avoidable lateness behaviors. Avoidable absence behavior was calculated by subtracting unavoidable absence from total absence, and avoidable lateness behavior was calculated by subtracting unavoidable lateness from total lateness. Record-based absence and lateness data, as well as test-retest self-reported absence and lateness data, collected on a subsample of pilot respondents, supported the validity and reliability of this approach. Main sample results included work exhaustion showing stronger positive relationships to absence versus lateness and career commitment exhibiting stronger negative relationships to avoidable lateness and avoidable absence. Two new specific work attitudes, punctuality and sick abuse, were partially successful in explaining lateness and absence behaviors.