an article by Maureen F. Dollard and Tessa Opie (University of South Australia), Sue Lenthall and John Wakerman (Centre for Remote Health, a joint Centre of Flinders University & Charles Darwin University, Alice Springs), Sabina Knight (James Cook University, Mt Isa, Australia), Sandra Dunn (Charles Darwin University, Darwin), Greg Rickard (Healthcare Australia, Sydney) and Martha MacLeod (University of Northern British Columbia, Canada) published in Work & Stress: An International Journal of Work, Health & Organisations
Volume 26 Issue 4 (November 2012)
Abstract
Psychosocial safety climate (PSC) refers to a specific organizational climate for the psychological health of workers. It is largely determined by management and at low levels is proposed as a latent pathogen for psychosocial risk factors and psychological strain.
Using an extended Job Demands-Control-Support framework, we predicted the (24 month) cross-level effects of PSC on psychological strain via work conditions.
We used a novel design whereby data from two unrelated samples of nurses working in remote areas were used across time (N=202, Time 1; N=163, Time 2), matched at the work unit level (N= 48). Using hierarchical linear modelling we found that unit PSC assessed by nurses predicted work conditions (workload, control, supervisor support) and psychological strain in different nurses in the same work unit 24 months later.
There was evidence that the between-group relationship between unit PSC and psychological strain was mediated via Time 2 work conditions (workload, job control) as well as Time 1 emotional demands. The results support a multilevel work stress model with PSC as a plausible primary cause, or “cause of the causes”, of work-related strain. The study adds to the literature that identifies organizational contextual factors as origins of the work stress process.
Showing posts with label work_stress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work_stress. Show all posts
Monday, 26 November 2012
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Workplace stress in libraries: a case study
an article by Liz Farler (Coleg Sir Gar, Ammanford) and Judith Broady-Preston (Department of Information Studies, Aberystwyth University) published in Aslib Proceedings Volume 64 Issue 3 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to analyse the results of a case study conducted in 2008/2009 investigating workplace stress in a further education college library service.
Design/methodology/approach
Results from questionnaires and a series of semi-structured interviews held with library staff are analysed and discussed in the paper.
Findings
Librarians reported that interaction with students can be stressful or enjoyable, depending on context. The need to control noise levels, modify student behaviour and balance the needs of different user groups are cited as stressors. The results also show that the library staff exhibit a degree of humour and self-awareness in their work and employ a range of methods to cope with stress.
Research limitations/implications
Repeating the study more widely amongst a range of differing library services would add credibility to the findings.
Practical implications
This study shows that positive stress may motivate librarians to engage actively with students and thus create job satisfaction. Negative stress may be managed by measures such as zoning and flexible governance.
Originality/value
The study contributes to knowledge and understanding of stress in the library profession by contributing a case study of stress in the college sector.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to analyse the results of a case study conducted in 2008/2009 investigating workplace stress in a further education college library service.
Design/methodology/approach
Results from questionnaires and a series of semi-structured interviews held with library staff are analysed and discussed in the paper.
Findings
Librarians reported that interaction with students can be stressful or enjoyable, depending on context. The need to control noise levels, modify student behaviour and balance the needs of different user groups are cited as stressors. The results also show that the library staff exhibit a degree of humour and self-awareness in their work and employ a range of methods to cope with stress.
Research limitations/implications
Repeating the study more widely amongst a range of differing library services would add credibility to the findings.
Practical implications
This study shows that positive stress may motivate librarians to engage actively with students and thus create job satisfaction. Negative stress may be managed by measures such as zoning and flexible governance.
Originality/value
The study contributes to knowledge and understanding of stress in the library profession by contributing a case study of stress in the college sector.
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Unemployment and Subjective Well-Being: A Question of Class?
an article by Signe Hald Andersen (Rockwool Foundation Research Unit) in Work and Occupations Volume 36 Number 1 (2009)
Abstract
An analysis is conducted as to whether social class position matters for the negative change in subjective well-being experienced from unemployment. Theory on work identification and work conditions is used to formulate hypotheses on the differential impact on well-being of entering unemployment from different social classes. Data are analyzed from 14 waves of the British Household Panel Survey, and fixed effects methods are used. Main results are that the negative effect of job loss on subjective well-being is highest for individuals who are in the middle classes prior to becoming unemployed.
Hazel’s comment:
I read this as being a statement of the obvious: “Unemployment dents the egos of middle class people more than working class people”.
Then I realised that it is perhaps not obvious to all – rather along the lines of ”everybody knows that” said in an exasperated voice by my husband to me on a fairly regular basis (usually in connection with something techie to do with a computer). I'm not everybody and hey, I use the computer to do things.
Impact for guidance professionals is, I believe, that more time is required reassuring and building confidence – and, perhaps, helping the client to realise that the current new job is job hunting.
Abstract
An analysis is conducted as to whether social class position matters for the negative change in subjective well-being experienced from unemployment. Theory on work identification and work conditions is used to formulate hypotheses on the differential impact on well-being of entering unemployment from different social classes. Data are analyzed from 14 waves of the British Household Panel Survey, and fixed effects methods are used. Main results are that the negative effect of job loss on subjective well-being is highest for individuals who are in the middle classes prior to becoming unemployed.
Hazel’s comment:
I read this as being a statement of the obvious: “Unemployment dents the egos of middle class people more than working class people”.
Then I realised that it is perhaps not obvious to all – rather along the lines of ”everybody knows that” said in an exasperated voice by my husband to me on a fairly regular basis (usually in connection with something techie to do with a computer). I'm not everybody and hey, I use the computer to do things.
Impact for guidance professionals is, I believe, that more time is required reassuring and building confidence – and, perhaps, helping the client to realise that the current new job is job hunting.
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