Critical Study of the Effect of Job Stress on Nigerian Workers: A Case of Union Bank, Uyo Branch
Chapter One
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Individuals are well adapted to cope with short-term exposure to pressure – this can often be positive – but there will be greater difficulty in coping with prolonged intensive pressure. A key point to recognize is that individuals will react differently to pressure in different situations and at different stages in their working lives. Based on the foregoing, it is worthwhile to conduct research of this nature to reveal specific facts about job stress in the Nigerian working environment.
The specific objectives of the study can be stated as follows:
- To investigate the effect of job stress on employees’ performance in Union Bank, Uyo.
- To examine the nature of job stress faced by Nigerian Bankers.
- To identify the factors that are responsible for job stress for Nigerian bankers.
- To ascertain the strategies for dealing with job stress among Nigerian bankers.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
This chapter reviewed literature with respect to the study. Issues considered in this section would include job stress and performance, role of managers and stress control, stress management at workplace and stress and health.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Theories help us to understand underlying process and on that basis, choose an effective course of action According to coherent group of assumption put forth to explain the relationship between two or more observable facts. Valid theories enable us certain situations. It is a truism that no matter the degree of the grasp of a principle, the history and theories of any field help us to apply them to actual cases. The theories relevant in the study of job stress and its effects on job performance include the followings; stimulus-based, interactional, person-environment fit, role overload and role theory.
THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO STRESS
There are a wide variety of various definitions and theories pertaining to the dynamic construct of stress. In an attempt to organise all of these theories Ghadially and Kumar (1987) suggested that there were at least three distinct orientations, which were (a) stimulus-based, (b) response literature supports the idea that there are three different theoretical approaches to the concept of stress (Richard and Krieshok, 1989; Ryan, 1996; Trivette, 1993).
Stimulus-Based
Kahn (1986) defines stimulus-based stress as external ons that are f hypothesized or demonstrated to have negative (painfully damaging, incapacitating) effects on the organization-based stress theorists of interest believe that the factors in the environment exert an influence on an individual (Derogatis and coans, 1993; Larzarus and Folk man, 1986b, Meichenbaum, 1986). Essentially this model proposes that external stressors in the environment result in a stress reaction or stain (Cox, 1978).
In addition, different categories of stimulus stressors have been identified in terms of their ability to induce stress such as: (a) acute, time-limited stressors; (b) Chronic intermittent stressors; (c) stressors sequences; and (d) chronic stressors; (Derogatis and Coons, 1993).
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
This chapter explains the procedures followed by the researcher to delineate information and in facts finding. Such procedures are further structured under the following sub-headings:
Research Design
This study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Kerlinger (1986) defined descriptive type of research as a systematic empirical inquiry in which the researcher does not have direct control of independent variables because their manifestations have already occurred or they are inherently not possible to be manipulated. Putting it clearly, Weiersman (1991) disclosed that in an descriptive research, the researcher begins with the observation of a dependent variable and follow by a retrospective study of possible relationships and effects. In such a study, inferences about relationship among variables are made without direct interaction from concomitant variables of independent and dependent variables.
In this regard, no attempt was made to manipulate the variables under study, rather deductions were made on the basis of evidence collected. This type of research will be adopted because the manifestations of these variables have already occurred.
Population of the Study
The population of this study consisted of all the staffs of Union bank Plc., Uyo, Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
In this chapter, the data collected were being analyzed and the result presented. The obtained results are discussed and the analyses are in two forms. The first is based on the personal data of the respondents, while the other is based on the research questions examined.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSION
Conclusively, emotional intelligence, perceived leadership style and job characteristic contributed significantly to occupational stress. This result has implications for preventing physical problems and health problems like heart diseases, ulcers, arthritis, and increased frequency of drinking and smoking, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine and other stress related disorders. In addition, through the promotion of high level emotional intelligence, psychological and behavioral problems such as change of moods, inferiority complex, widespread resentment, reduced aspirations and self esteem, reduced motivation and job skill will be reduced. With well designed jobs, dissatisfaction, decreased motivation, absenteeism and low productivity will be prevented. Some of these objectives could be achieved through properly organized stress management programs. Inter-relationships with other significant individuals and groups are important in giving sense to experience and making sense of the world of work. The experience of workplace stress also depends on the way the person makes sense and perceives of their work environment. In view of this, it is important for organizations be committed to alleviating the impact of stress on employees.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the findings above the following recommendations have been made: Union Bank has a working population which is youthful and therefore could be very competitive in the provision of quality tertiary education by adopting a well-designed, organized and managed work helps to maintain and promote individual well-being.
Since the job related stress from lack of support from supervisors in tough times and workload conflict was high among workers, the Bank administration should pay attention to solve these issues. Lack of resources such as inadequate staff and lack of equipment must be advocated by the heads of the department or sections for the benefit of the staff.
Performance is hindered by stress because the individual faces signals of stress which affects their productivity. Therefore, increasing formal organizational communication with employees reduces stress by lessening the role ambiguity. Open communication has an advantage of resolving conflicts between supervisors and subordinates. Lack of effective communication could cause unresolved conflicts that increase stress level.
Support from supervisors and colleagues are a major factor in reducing stress. Supervisors need to recognize the good work and outstanding contributions of employees in challenging times to keep them motivated. Promoting a culture of support will set the example and it will make them realize that co-worker support is very important.
Correct stress management should be incorporated into the fabric of the Bank administration to improve the health of workers and intrapersonal relationships. An individual needs to maintain good level of personal health. The prevention and management of workplace stress requires organizational level interventions, because it is often the organizations that create the stress. A culture of openness and understanding, rather than of criticism, is essential.
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDIES
Job stress is an integral part of life. Hence, further study can be undertaken to devise effective programmes to reduce work stress in which the present study remains inadequate. This study was limited to Union Bank. However, studies can be conducted to provide useful insight into the patterns of stress levels among various occupations. This study was based job stress and its effects on job performance of Union Bank staff. Useful studies can be conducted by making similar comparisons among intra-professional groups such as that of elementary and high school teachers or between private and government employed professionals and employees.
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