Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, Ahead of Print.
PurposeThis article aims to analyse the relationship between staff burnout and resistance to change as well as the implications for leadership.Design/methodology/approachThe Job Demands Resource Model, the Social Exchange Theory, and the Model of Socially Induced Burnout were used to analyse the relationship of burnout with resistance to change.FindingsLeadership support is essential in reducing the influence of job demands on staff and on overcoming burnout so that resistance to change is prevented.Originality/valueThis lies on the development of a leadership approach based on the factors that influence burnouted staff against change.