Craig,
1. There are two distinct areas here: the stressors and the level of stress
(mental strain). Without entering a debate as to correct jargon, I suggest
that you look at chapter 2 of Fletcher (1991) which despite the age still
contains the best discussion of models of stress.
2. Assessing mental strain is usually through a measure of the degree of
depression and the degree of anxiety (see Maguire 1996 for a discussion of
why). There are a number of instruments available including the Crown-Crisp
Experiential Index and the General Health Questionnaire. I shall return to
levels of stress in a para 4.
3. Assessing stressors is something particular to an organisation. While
they may fit into a general classification (see Fletcher), the material
presentation differs according to the organisation (see Sparks and Cooper
1999). You, therefore need to go through a phase of identifying what might
cause stress in a particular organisation. This is followed by a phase
assessing levels of those stressors.
4. Putting the two together is the other issue. Clearly high levels of
mental strain are a matter of direct concern. Low levels are not an
indication that all is well: not only might low average levels mask high
scoring individuals and even individual units, but also there may be lower
levels that nonetheless show an association between degree of strain and the
strength of a stressor, i.e. the organisation may have organisational
stressors present without necessarily having clinical levels of strain
showing (as yet).
5. In practice Craig, what I am saying is beware of 'off-the-shelf'
assessments of organisational stress and stressors.
Best wishes
Kevin
References
Fletcher Ben (C), 1991, Work, Stress Disease and Life Expectancy, Wiley,
Chichester
Maguire K., 1996, A survey of the adequacy of Video Display Terminal/Unit
Equipment in 7 local authorities in the Midlands and the implications for
stress, The Journal of the Royal Society of Health, 116(6) 385-392
Sparks K. and Cooper C.L., 1999, Occupational differences in the work-strain
relationship: towards the use of situation-specific models, Journal of
Occupational and Organisational Psychology, 72(2), 219-229
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 23 February 2001 11:08 am
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: organisation stressors & stress levels
I am currently looking at an engineering companies managemant of stress.
Has anyone used a questionnare as a means of assessing organisation
stressors and stress levels, or caariedout work in this area.
Any information/advice/assistance would be very gratefully recieved.
Thanks
Craig Graham
**********************************************************************
The statements and opinions expressed in this message are those of the
author
and do not necessarily reflect those of the company. The company does not
take
any responsibility for the views of the author.
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept
for the presence of computer viruses.
**********************************************************************
|