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BEHAVIOURAL DETERMINANTS OF CIVIL SERVANTS PARTICIPATION IN LEISURE ACTIVITIES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Understanding the intricacies of civil servants' participation in leisure activities is paramount in comprehending their overall well-being and work-life balance. In recent years, scholarly attention has increasingly focused on exploring the behavioral determinants that influence civil servants' engagement in leisure pursuits. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted factors shaping civil servants' leisure participation, drawing upon existing literature and empirical evidence to illuminate the complexities of this phenomenon.

Leisure activities encompass a wide array of pursuits that individuals engage in during their discretionary time, outside the realms of work and obligatory responsibilities. The significance of leisure in fostering personal growth, relaxation, and social interaction has long been recognized in psychological and sociological literature (Csikszentmihalyi & Nakamura, 2010). However, within the context of civil service, the interplay between job demands, organizational culture, and individual preferences intricately shapes leisure participation patterns.

One of the central determinants influencing civil servants' engagement in leisure activities is the nature of their job roles and the associated workload. Civil service positions often entail demanding work schedules, high levels of responsibility, and bureaucratic complexities (Kopelman et al., 2012). Consequently, individuals employed in such roles may experience time constraints and psychological strain, which can impede their ability to allocate sufficient time and energy to leisure pursuits. Research by Smith and Moore (2015) suggests that civil servants facing heavy workloads are more likely to prioritize work commitments over leisure activities, thereby experiencing higher levels of work-life imbalance.

Moreover, the organizational culture within government agencies plays a pivotal role in shaping employees' leisure behaviors. Organizational norms, values, and policies regarding work hours, flexibility, and leave entitlements significantly influence individuals' perceptions of leisure as a legitimate and valued aspect of their lives (Sturges et al., 2016). For instance, a bureaucratic culture that prioritizes long hours and discourages leisure may foster a work-centric mindset among civil servants, hindering their willingness to engage in leisure pursuits. Conversely, agencies that promote a culture of work-life balance through flexible scheduling and supportive policies may facilitate greater leisure participation among employees (Huang & Ryan, 2011).

Furthermore, individual characteristics and preferences play a crucial role in determining civil servants' engagement in leisure activities. Personality traits, such as extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience, have been found to influence individuals' leisure preferences and activity choices (Lounsbury et al., 2005). For example, civil servants high in extraversion may be more inclined to participate in social leisure activities, such as team sports or group outings, whereas those high in conscientiousness may

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