Executive Stress And Performance Of Business Managers
(A Case Study Of Star Paper Mill Limited Aba Abia State)
The stress experienced by executives can significantly impact the performance of business managers, as it influences decision-making, communication, and overall productivity within an organization. The demanding nature of executive roles, coupled with the pressure to meet targets and navigate complex business environments, often leads to heightened stress levels among managers. This stress can manifest in various forms, such as increased absenteeism, reduced job satisfaction, and impaired cognitive function, all of which can detrimentally affect managerial performance. Moreover, chronic stress may also contribute to burnout and turnover, further disrupting organizational effectiveness. Therefore, implementing effective stress management strategies and fostering a supportive work culture are crucial for maintaining the well-being and performance of business managers in today’s competitive business landscape.
The aim of this study was to unravel stress factors among management executive in Star Paper Mill Ltd Aba, Abia State and ways of curbing them. To achieve this, data was collected via questionnaire administered to hundred (100) staffs in Star Paper Mill Ltd, Aba, out of which eighty (80) were valid and reliable which constituted the sample size. The study identified harsh disciplinary measures, inscriptive recruitment and reward distribution pattern, Excess workload, communication pattern as potential source of stress among management staff in the office. The study identifies how moral, high level of absenteeism, alienation as well low the provision of training programs, effective delegation recreation among management staffs were found to be possible measures to checkmate stress. It was further suggested that the mistakes of management staff should be treated with a human face. Such should rather provide an opportunity to teach them. They should also be provided with necessary working materials
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Abstract
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Background of Study
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Statement of the Study
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Limitation of the Study
1.9 Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Conceptual Framework
2.3 Empirical Framework
2.4 Researchers Position
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research Methodology
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Area of Study
3.4 Population of the Study
3.5 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
3.6 Validity and Reliability of Measuring Instrument
3.7 Instrument for Data Collection
3.8 Method of Data Collection
3.9 Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Presentation of Data
4.3 Analysis of Data
4.4 Interpretation of Data
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary of Findings, Conclusion, and
Recommendations
5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendix
.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Without doubt, an important but very much neglected phenomenon which has continued to kill people is work stress.
The use of the word stress, has involved denoting various things over the years. In the seventeenth century, it was used to refer to hardship, straits adversity or affliction, but in the eighteenth century, its uses have expanded to cover force, pressure, strainers strong effort. Though, the word ‘’stress originally used to refer to a person’s mental, physical or psychological conditions, the term was later used to refer to pressure or force on objects, especially in the study of physics and engineering.
Generally, people apply this term to be Individuals, small group, societies as well as physical structure. In reference to an individual, it is used variously to denote:
a. An excessive environmental force (e.g. too much work) which by its actions on an individual causes him harm.
b. The harm thus causes fatigue and
c. The individual’s reactions in such a situation (irritability, inability to concentrate).
Thus the stress may be defined as the unhealthy reaction of an individual to a variety of factors affecting him at any particular time. It refers to a very wide spectrum of problems which are differentiated from other problem areas because it deals with tax the entire physiological, social and nervous nature. Individual habit and particular factors in his environment are either beneficial or harmful. The individual factors or sinks the lower the quality of his physical and mental health.
The study has therefore set to unravel factors of stress among management, executive workers in Star Paper Mill Aba, Abia state and ways of cubing them.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
Stress is generally believed to be an integral part of human existence. All human institutions are prone and susceptible to varied forms of stress, the general notion of stress however is that it has a devastating effect.
In recent time, management executives in organizations are fingered as being havens of stress. Such arguments and propositions also attempt to apportion more stress to certain work role more than others.
Management executives in star organization (Star Paper Mill Nigerian Ltd, Aba) have at one time or the other cried out to express their disenhancement and disillusionment over stressful variables that impinge them in the course of discharging their duties.
This work has therefore set to identify the factors of stress among management executives, how it affects their performance in Star Paper Mill Ltd Aba, Abia state as the case study and ways of curbing them.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
The general objective of this study is to identify the factors of stress among management executive, how it affects the performance of Nigerian managers in Star Paper Mills Ltd Aba and ways of curbing them.
This research therefore has the following specific objectives:
a. To identify the factors of stress among executives in Star Paper Mills Ltd Aba, Abia State.
b. To examine the implications of stress on the overall productivity of management in Star Paper Mills Ltd, Aba.
c. To make recommendations on how to checkmate such stress precipitating variables.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The research question is guided by the following questions:
a. What are the factors of stress that affect management staffs in Star Paper Mills Ltd Aba, Abia State?
b. What are the implications of stress on the overall productivity of management staffs in Star Paper Mill Ltd Aba, Abia State?
c. What measures can be used to checkmate stress among management executives in Star Paper Mill Ltd Aba, Abia state?
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Hypothesis one
Ho: Stress does not affect management executive’s performance in Star Paper Mill Ltd, Aba, Abia State.
H1: Stress affects management executive’s performance in Star Paper Mill Ltd, Aba, Abia State.
Hypothesis two
Ho The implications of stress do not depend on the overall productivity of management staffs in Star Paper Mills Ltd, Aba Abia State.
Hi: The implications of stress depends on the overall productivity of management staffs in Star Paper Mills Ltd, Aba, Abia State.
Hypothesis Three
Ho: Measure used to checkmate Stress does not affect management executives in Star Paper Mill Ltd, Aba, Abia State.
Hi: Measures used to checkmate affect management executives in Star Paper Mills Ltd, Aba, Abia State.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This research has practical and academic significance. On the practical significance, this study will provide on the factual information to the general public on the factors that engender stress among management staffs in Star Paper Mill Ltd, Aba Abia State.
Secondly, it will bring limelight the implications of stress on overall performance of management in star Paper Mill Ltd, Aba, Abia State.
Thirdly, information gained from this study will provide management executives and other among their forms of organizations on how to curb stress among their staffs.
In the case of academic significance, this work will serve as an addendum to already existing literature on stress.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research covers factors of stress among management staff in Star Paper Mills Ltd Aba, Abia State and ways of curbing them.
This research could have been widened to include the global views on executive stress, and how it affects the performance of business managers in the country but due to financial constraint and time factor, the researcher limited herself to staffs in Star Paper Mill Ltd, Aba, Abia State.
1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The researcher encountered many number of constraints in the course of this study. The following are some of the limitations of the study:
a. Time: This is the factor that affected the study, because the researcher had limited time with which he has to complete the study.
b. Finance: This study was carried out on the limited resources available to the researcher and this hampered the extensive coverage of the study.
c. Materials: Getting materials that will assist the researcher in reviewing related literatures were not easy to come by as there are few text books on the study and the researcher has to resort to journals, magazines, internals etc to get information and the cost was much.
d. Respondents: The respondents constituted other constraints to the study. Some of them were reluctant to give much detail information while some did not pay attention to the researcher.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
a. Stress: Is a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium.
b. Frustration: Is a feeling of annoyance that occurs when something doesn’t go as you expect.
c. Executive: This is a person or group of persons having administrative or managerial authority in an organization.
d. Productivity: This is the quality, state or fact of being able to generate, create, enhance or bring forth goods and services.
Executive Stress And Performance Of Business Managers:
Executive stress can have a significant impact on the performance of business managers. The role of a business manager is often demanding and involves making critical decisions, managing teams, handling deadlines, and dealing with various challenges. When these pressures and demands become excessive, they can lead to executive stress, which can in turn affect performance in several ways:
- Cognitive Impairment: High levels of stress can impair cognitive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Executives under stress might struggle to analyze situations objectively and make well-informed choices.
- Burnout: Prolonged stress without adequate coping mechanisms can lead to burnout. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, reduced motivation, and a sense of detachment from work. This can result in decreased productivity and effectiveness.
- Physical Health: Stress can have a negative impact on physical health, leading to issues such as headaches, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and even more serious conditions like cardiovascular problems. Poor health can directly affect an executive’s ability to perform their job effectively.
- Emotional Well-being: Chronic stress can contribute to emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings. These emotional states can further hinder an executive’s ability to lead and interact effectively with their team.
- Interpersonal Relationships: Stress can strain relationships with colleagues, subordinates, and even family members. Poor communication, irritability, and conflict can arise, negatively impacting collaboration and teamwork.
- Creativity and Innovation: High stress levels can stifle creativity and innovation, which are often essential for solving complex problems and staying competitive in the business world.
- Job Satisfaction: Increased stress levels can lead to reduced job satisfaction. This dissatisfaction can further contribute to decreased motivation and engagement with one’s work.
To mitigate the negative effects of executive stress on performance, organizations can take several steps:
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage managers to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. This can help reduce the accumulation of stress and promote overall well-being.
- Provide Support: Offer resources such as counseling services or employee assistance programs to help managers cope with stress and build effective stress management strategies.
- Training: Provide training in stress management, time management, and resilience-building to equip managers with the skills they need to handle high-pressure situations.
- Clear Expectations: Set clear and realistic expectations for managers, ensuring that their workload is manageable and aligned with their capabilities.
- Delegate and Empower: Encourage delegation of tasks and empower managers to rely on their teams. This can prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed by responsibilities.
- Recognition and Feedback: Regularly acknowledge managers’ efforts and provide constructive feedback. Positive reinforcement can boost morale and reduce stress.
- Flexibility: Allow for flexibility in work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, to accommodate individual needs and reduce the stress of commuting or rigid schedules.
Ultimately, recognizing and addressing executive stress is crucial not only for the well-being of managers but also for the overall success and performance of the organization.