STAFF PERCEPTIONS OF THE SOURCES OF OCCUPATION STRESS ON JOB PERFORMANCE AND IMPLICATIONS ON CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

Victor Priest Chukwuma, Rosemary Wahu Mbogo, Niceta Wanja Ireri

Abstract


Occupational stress has become a vital issue to address in faith-based organizations because of its detrimental impact on job performance. In Christian higher institutions, where faith is integrated into teaching and learning processes the wellbeing of employees is required to accomplish the mission of the university. The purpose of this study is to examine the perception of staff on the sources of occupational stress so that appropriate measures are put in place to improve workers' wellbeing and productivity. This study is based on quantitative research conducted in two conveniently selected Christian universities in Kenya. Data was collected through a questionnaire based on open and close-ended questions. The descriptive survey design was used for the study while regression analysis was used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Census survey sampling was used to determine the participants in the study. The total sample for the study was 158; comprising of full-time administrative and academic staff. The major sources of occupational stress include excessive workload (P =.016, <. 05), inconducive work environment (P=.009, < .05), inadequate financial payment (P=.000, < .05), students’ disruptive behaviour (P=.000, < .05), and job dissatisfaction (P=.029, <.05). Based on the outcome of the study, specific recommendations to cope with stress in the workplace were made.

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occupational stress, perception, employees, job performance, sources of stress

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v7i10.3293

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