QUESTION 1
Amelia is a manager of three employees. She notices that one of her long time subordinates, Gina
(who has been with the company for 8 years), has seemed very distant from the other team
members. In fact, she even seems cold to anyone she interacts with. When Amelia asks Gina into
her office and shows concern for Gina’s mood state, Gina responds, “It’s just that I have a lot
going on in my life. I come here and it’s about work which is good. Honestly, I’m not feeling
anything right now. I’m neutral.” Amelia responds, “It’s not possible to be neutral Gina. You’re
feeling something.” Based on your understanding of stress discuss the following: (25 Marks)
(a) Explain six typical stressors in organisations. [12 marks]
(b) Explain three factors that moderate the impact of stressors in an organisation. [6 marks]
(c) Identify three signs of excessive pressure and stress for Gina and advice Gina on how to manage
her stress. [7 marks]
(a) Six typical stressors in organisations include:
1. Workload: This refers to the amount of work and responsibilities an employee has to handle within a given timeframe. Overloading an employee with excessive tasks can lead to stress.
2. Job insecurity: Fear of losing one's job or uncertainty about the future can cause significant stress, especially in times of downsizing or restructuring.
3. Role ambiguity: When an employee is unclear about their job duties, expectations, or responsibilities, it can lead to confusion and stress.
4. Interpersonal conflicts: Conflicts with coworkers, supervisors, or clients can create a tense and stressful work environment.
5. Lack of control: Feeling like one has little or no control over their work or decision-making processes can increase stress levels.
6. Lack of support: When employees feel unsupported by their managers or colleagues, it can negatively impact their mental well-being and increase stress.
(b) Three factors that moderate the impact of stressors in an organisation are:
1. Social support: Having supportive relationships with colleagues or supervisors can buffer the negative effects of stress. Supportive coworkers can provide emotional assistance, guidance, and help in problem-solving.
2. Personal characteristics: Individual differences, such as self-efficacy (belief in one's abilities), resilience, and optimism, can influence how individuals perceive and cope with stressors. Strong personal characteristics can help individuals better manage stress.
3. Organizational culture: A positive and supportive organizational culture that values employee well-being can reduce the impact of stressors. Organizations that prioritize work-life balance, provide resources for stress management, and encourage open communication can help employees better cope with stress.
(c) Three signs of excessive pressure and stress for Gina could include:
1. Emotional and behavioral changes: Gina may display increased irritability, anger, or withdrawal from social interactions. She might also exhibit changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
2. Decreased productivity: Excessive stress can affect an employee's ability to concentrate, leading to decreased productivity and difficulty meeting deadlines.
3. Physical symptoms: Stress can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, or gastrointestinal problems.
To manage her stress, Gina can:
1. Seek social support: Gina should reach out to her colleagues or supervisors whom she trusts and discuss her concerns or seek advice. Sharing her thoughts and feelings can help alleviate stress.
2. Practice stress management techniques: Engaging in activities such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness can help reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being.
3. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care: Gina should establish boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring she takes breaks, engages in hobbies, and prioritizes self-care activities outside of work to recharge and relax.