| dc.description.abstract | Understanding the dynamics of stress and developing the ability to recognize
and help others cope with stress are essential management skills now and for
the future. Though measuring stress 1S not easy its measurement 1S nevertheless
Important for it may help an organization put in place measures to help it
lower the stress levels.
This study will be useful to Kenyan workers in giving them helpful insights
on how they can cope with stress. Managers too will be able to recognize
work stress and reduce the problem of work stress by identifying common
stressors and taking steps to eliminate them. By applying the individual
strategies suggested to cope with stress the workers will enjoy greater
physical and emotional health. The organization that puts in place effective
mechanisms will also stand to benefit by increased performance, morale
boosting and enhanced motivation for its workers.
The study was based on a large firm in the manufacturing sector. The data
was collected using interviews and questionnaires. The data was collected in
the month of September 2002.
The study was done with the following objectives in mind:
To find out the prevalence of work stress among employees in a Kenyan
organization
To find out which age groups are more prone to stress
To determine common causes of stress at work
To determine differences in stress levels among different job categories
To find out different ways used by employees to cope with stress
To establish mechanisms if any which the organization has put in place to
help its workers cope with stress
A sample size of 32 respondents from different job categories from the
manufacturing was done. Data was collected using personal interviews and
questionaires. It was presented using frequency tables. Data was analyzed
using descriptive statistics. Percentages, mean, mode and chi-squared were
used for analyzing the data.
The major findings were that:
• Work stress is prevalent at the chosen manufacturing firm-Colgate
Palmolive.
• Of the age groups the 25-35 years age groug was the most stressed age
group.
• The female workers were more stressed than their male counterparts
• The married workers also reported higher stress levels than the single
workers.
The most common cause of stress for the managers was found to be time
pressure and deadlines. The next important cause of stress was responsibility
without authority and thirdly thwarted ambition.
Other common stressors were:
• Poor relations with the boss
• Too much work
• Managers' leadership style
• Under promotion
The most common methods of coping with stress were found to be engaging
in physical exercise followed by going into isolation, spiritual activities,
relaxation, meditation and engaging in conversation with friends.
This study tallies with other studies that indicate that the most common tips
for dealing with stress focus on relaxation.
Of the stress levels in the different job categories receptionists, security
officers followed by the supervisors and middle level managers were the
most stressed groups.
The mechanisms, procedures and methods for coping with stress found in
our Kenyan organizations are a far cry from those found in the developed
countries. More obviously needs to b~ done in Kenyan organizations to help
its workers cope with stress. Counseling which has immense potential has
hardly begun to be tapped.
For further research, the researcher suggests a broad based survey that will
investigate stress levels of different jobs or professions such as teachers,
police officers, journalists, waitresses and compare the stress levels in these
very different occupations. | |
