Research on Stress
Causes and Effects of Job Stress among Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) Employees in Runde Catchment
WRITTEN BY
LESLEY BOBO
1
ABSTRACT The study sought to investigate the causes and effects of stress among ZINWA employees in Runde Catchment.The purpose of the study was to find out whether poor working conditions, leadership styles, or the issues of occupational health and safety were causing stress among the employees. A sample of 83 employees comprising of people from all sections like accounts, human resources, data and research, planning and water supply operators were selected in a stratified random sampling technique for the purpose of the study. Out of these 25 managed to return the questionnaires on time. The questionnaire is a modification of the Health and Safety Executive [HSE] indicator Tool for tackling work related stress was used as research instrument. The study showed that most employees in ZINWA are dissatisfied with the current working conditions that are prevailing in Runde Catchment.It also revealed that most employees have stress related to demands, change, relationships, control, manager s and peer support and job dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction was centered on uncompetitive salaries and poor staff welfare. The research also noted that role based stress was fairly low among the employees. The study recommends that the organization should make positive changes within its management system in order to reduce stress and at the same time improve working conditions of its staff. When stress is reduced this would also improve productivity as tardiness would be reduced. Finally it also recommends that further research be undertaken to establish the extent of health problems among the employees due to stress or other work related illnesses.
2
DEDICATION
This research project is dedicated to my wife, Christina and my three children, Tinashe, Nyasha and Faith whose patience and love made the carrying out of the
WRITTEN BY
LESLEY BOBO
1
ABSTRACT The study sought to investigate the causes and effects of stress among ZINWA employees in Runde Catchment.The purpose of the study was to find out whether poor working conditions, leadership styles, or the issues of occupational health and safety were causing stress among the employees. A sample of 83 employees comprising of people from all sections like accounts, human resources, data and research, planning and water supply operators were selected in a stratified random sampling technique for the purpose of the study. Out of these 25 managed to return the questionnaires on time. The questionnaire is a modification of the Health and Safety Executive [HSE] indicator Tool for tackling work related stress was used as research instrument. The study showed that most employees in ZINWA are dissatisfied with the current working conditions that are prevailing in Runde Catchment.It also revealed that most employees have stress related to demands, change, relationships, control, manager s and peer support and job dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction was centered on uncompetitive salaries and poor staff welfare. The research also noted that role based stress was fairly low among the employees. The study recommends that the organization should make positive changes within its management system in order to reduce stress and at the same time improve working conditions of its staff. When stress is reduced this would also improve productivity as tardiness would be reduced. Finally it also recommends that further research be undertaken to establish the extent of health problems among the employees due to stress or other work related illnesses.
2
DEDICATION
This research project is dedicated to my wife, Christina and my three children, Tinashe, Nyasha and Faith whose patience and love made the carrying out of the
References: 8 Spurgeon and Barwell (1995:4) cite an inspiring passage from Lloyd Davis (1957:6): A workman s capital is his health and his ability to work, without these assets he is bankrupt 12 On the same vein, WHO (1985) reports that studies on occupational stress and related psychological, physiological and behavioural disorders reveal that serious problems are found among about 5-10% of the working population