Ravalier PhD Theis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

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The design of a local stress theory has been completed in order to give the reader, as well as the
participating organisation, an understanding of both the issues and buffers toward the experience of stress within
the Service 6. The theory represents the stressors identified by staff, as well as the areas of the workplace or
organisational systems which can act as a barrier toward these stressors. The first of the identified stressors was
Demands of which communication systems in the form of inadequate IT systems and an over-reliance on email
communication systems are examples.
Secondly Managerial Support, or the guidance and help offered to staff by management in the organisation,
was found to be a clear problem for employees. In particular a lack of perceived help for problems such as
chronic/acute workplace stressors moving from the realm of stress into and strain outcomes. Also participants felt
that they did not have a sufficient voice within the organisation, and in particular a lack of the ability to influence
change processes which are implemented within the organisation. Thirdly one of the most pressing issues for staff
based in the organisational ‘satellite sites’ was the lack of managerial presence.
It is proposed that, along the lines of the stimulus approach, chronic exposure to any combination of the
three predominant stressors as represented in the local stress theory has the potential to lead to stress-related
outcomes. However, it is also proposed that an interaction between the individual and other organisational
aspects, or buffers, can help negate the effects/impact of chronic stressors. The first of these buffers toward stress
are the relationships between employees. Relationships are the interactions between peers in the workplace, as
well as peers providing help and support where necessary.
Professional Efficacy was the one area of the MBI-GS found to be working well for the majority of employees
within Service 6, and was also found throughout the AI process as a positive area of working (i.e. 'Work Completion'