Workplace stress at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Loading...
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Stress, very simply, is a built-in condition. Humans are hard-wired to have a physical and
psychological ―stress" reaction when facing a perceived threat, whether it is real or not.
Irrespective of its definition or its source, excessive workplace stress has serious repercussions for
both employees and employers. Everyone experiences stress differently because of various reasons
and reacts differently to stress in the face of the same stressor. Stressors produce different stress
levels in different people: combined with the external factors of stress (potential stressors) it has
been found that how one is affected by that stressor depends on how one perceives this stressor,
based on its relative importance to the person and the traits and characteristics of the person e.g.
reactions in face of a challenge or threat. As an effect of stress, one reacts physically,
psychologically and behaviourally, and has negative consequences rather than positive
consequences, which affect both physical and mental well-being and performance at work. These
have serious implications for businesses, especially in this highly competitive and dynamic
environment.
This study endeavoured to identify the causes of workplace stress at the University of KwaZulu-
Natal and whether the merger between the former Universities of Natal and Durban-Westville has
contributed to workplace stress. The sources of stress were identified and its effect on work
performance was acknowledged. The main aim of this study was to assist employees and
management alike to address the disparities of stress and to cope with stress.
To prove the objectives of this study an on-line questionnaire was sent out to respondents using
QuestionPro to obtain their views on the effects of stress that they have felt in the past 2 years and
how they rate their workplaces. The results of the survey found that 90.3% of respondents
experienced stress in the last two years while 9.7% had no experience of stress over the same
period. In terms of the impact of workplace stress on work performance, 64% of the respondents
indicated that stress has had a negative impact on their work performance while 26% indicated that
workplace stress had no impact on their work performance. The majority of respondents felt that in
order to reduce stress at UKZN, management should increase pay (rated as most relevant) followed
by line managers should show more respect and empathy towards staff. Staff also indicated that
stress management workshops and counselling should be provided for staff. After embarking on this
research and identifying with the stress within UKZN, it was recommended that UKZN increase the
awareness of stress counselling and management programmes to effectively help employees cope
with stress.
Description
Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.
Keywords
Work--Psychological aspects., Stress management., Job stress., Work environment--Psychological aspects., Theses--Business administration.