IOP4862 Exam Answers - Summary Managerial and organizational psy

CONFLICT AND STRESS DEFINITION OF STRESS  Stress is an adaptive response to an external situation that results in physical, psychological, and/or behavioural deviations  Stress is NOT anxiety, nervous tension or necessarily something bad to be avoided DISCUSS THE GENERAL CATEGORIES OF STRESSORS THAT CAN AFFECT JOB STRESS / CAUSES OF STRESS Extra-organisational stressors  Stressors outside the workplace have been related to negative affect and feelings on the job  Rapid change and economic instability has had a great effect on people's lifestyles which has carried over into their jobs  Because people tend to get caught up in the rush-rush, urbanised, and on-the-go lifestyle of today, their anxiety and wellness in general has deteriorated and the potential for stress on the job has increased  A person's family has a big impact on one's stress levels. For example, illness of a family member or long term strained relations with parents, spouse or children, can act as a significant stressor for employees  Recent trends have also made it difficult for employees to adequately balance the responsibilities of their job and their families  Relocating the family because of transfer or promotion can also lead to stress  For most people, their financial situation has also proved to be a stressor. Many people have been forced to take a second job, or the spouse has had to enter the workplace in order to survive. This situation reduces time for recreational and family activities. The overall effect on employees is more stress on the primary jobs  A diverse workforce is also a stressor. Stress-related issues include differences in beliefs and values, differences in opportunities for rewards or promotions, and perceptions by minority employees of discrimination Organisational stressors  At the organisational level, there are dimensions unique to the organisation that contain potential stressors  These stressors include administrative policies and procedure, organisational structure and design, organisational processes, working conditions  Administrative procedures include downsizing, competitive pressures, merit pay plans, rotating work shifts, advanced technology Downloaded by Candice Vermeulen () lOMoARcPSD| IOP4862 Compiled by Sharon Winter 071 622 9587  Organisational structure and design includes line staff conflicts, specialisation, role ambiguity and conflict, and no opportunity for advancement  Organisational processes include tight controls, little performance feedback, centralised decision-making, and lack of participation in decision-making  Working conditions include crowded work areas, noise/heat/cold, polluted air, strong odour, unsafe and dangerous conditions, poor lighting