This paper examines individual differences and individual and organizational outcomes as correlates of vacation discrepancy. Vacation discrepancy, the degree to which actual and ideal vacation characteristics are discrepant, is operationalized by five vacation indices—duration, usage, nature, sacrifice, and banking and cash payment. These vacation discrepancy indices are seen to be related to five individual difference characteristics—age, job level, Type A behavior, adherence to protestant work ethic ideals, and valence of vacations—and to six individual and organizational outcomes—job growth satisfaction, perceived fairness of vacations, vulnerability to stress, health, absenteeism and performance. Suggestions for research on vacation discrepancy in particular, and on the effects of vacation policies in general, are presented.
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