B1 (Stress): Workplace Stress Flashcards
What is role conflict?
Occurs when an employee faces competing demands as a result of their responsibilities in the workplace
This causes stress and can lead to dissatisfaction, illness, and absenteeism.
What is intra-role conflict?
Occurs when an employee faces competing demands within their role in the workplace
This often happens when roles are poorly defined and the employee reports to two managers with differing objectives.
What is inter-role conflict?
Occurs when a person has two different roles with competing demands
For example, a parent balancing childcare with work responsibilities.
What are two common stressors arising from the work environment?
- Temperature
- Noise
How does temperature affect workplace stress?
Hot workplaces are associated with negative outcomes such as stress and aggressive behaviour
Being too cold can also lead to distress/stress.
How does noise contribute to workplace stress?
Noise is unpleasant and prevents employees from working, increasing workload
Unpredictable noises are particularly stressful.
What is workload in the context of workplace stress?
The amount of work an employee has to do
Work overload can lead to ill health, job dissatisfaction, and absenteeism.
What is the significance of the perception of control in workplace stress?
An employee’s belief about how much control they have can protect them against stress
Even if they have little real control, the belief itself acts as a buffer.
What did the study by Gunn Johansson et al. (1978) reveal about control and stress?
Finishers had higher levels of stress hormones and absenteeism due to lack of control over work demands
Cleaners had more control and experienced lower stress levels.
What is job control?
The degree of freedom a worker has to perform their job how they wish
Often defined in terms of the autonomy to make decisions.
What does the term ‘workplace environment’ refer to?
Conditions in the workplace that can influence stress experienced by workers, e.g., temperature, noise.
What is one strength of research on workplace stress?
There is evidence demonstrating the central importance of job control in workplace stress.
What is one weakness of research on workplace stress?
The impact of workplace stress is not generalisable because it depends upon culture.
In which cultures is a lack of job control considered stressful?
Individualist cultures, such as the USA and UK
In contrast, collectivist cultures may perceive having control as more stressful.
