1. STRESS MANAGEMENT
Presentation
by
M.S.S.Varadan
Om Consultants (India) Pvt. Ltd.

2. “Stress” is
defined as an adaptive response
to an external situation that
results in physical,
psychological, and/or
behavioural deviations for
organizational participants.
2
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06

3. Stress is not
— Simply anxiety.
— Simply nervous tension
— Necessarily something
damaging, bad or to be
avoided.
3
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06

4. ES
RI Extraorganizational
GO
Stressors
E F RS
CAT O SO Organizational Stressors
ES
STR Group Stressors
Individual
Stressors

5. CAUSES OF STRESS
1. ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
AND STRATEGIES
Downsizing JOB
Competitive Pressures STRESS
Merit pay plans
Rotating work shifts
Bureaucratic rules
Advanced technology
5
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06

6. CAUSES OF STRESS
2. ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE AND DESIGN
Centralization & JOB
formalization STRESS
Line-staff conflicts
Specialization
Role ambiguity and conflict
No opportunity for promotion
Restrictive, untrusting culture
6
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06

7. CAUSES OF STRESS
3. ORGANIZATIONAL PROCESSES
Tight controls
Only downward
communication JOB
Little performance feedback STRESS
Centralized decision
making Lack of participation
in decisions
Punitive appraisal systems
7
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06

8. CAUSES OF STRESS
4. WORKING CONDITIONS
Crowded work area Noise,
heat, or cold JOB
Polluted air STRESS
Strong odor
Unsafe, dangerous conditions
Poor lighting
Physical or mental strain
Toxic chemicals or radiation
8
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06

9. Group Stressors
• Lack of group cohesiveness
• Lack of social support
• Intraindividual, interpersonal and
intergroup conflict
9
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06

10. Individual Stressors
• Role of Conflict and Ambiguity
• Personal Control
• Learned Helplessness
• Self-Efficacy
• Psychological Hardiness
10
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06

11. COPING STRATEGIES FOR STRESS
Individual Coping Strategies
• Exercise
• Relaxation
• Behavioural self-control
• Cognitive therapy
11
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06

12. COPING STRATEGIES FOR STRESS
Organizational Coping Strategies
• Create a supportive
organizational climate
• Enrich the design of tasks
• Reduce conflict and clarify
organizational roles
• Plan and develop career paths
and provide counselling
12
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06

13. GUIDELINES TO HELP DOWNSIZED
ORGANIZATIONS
• Be proactive
• Acknowledge survivor’s emotions
• Communicate after the
downsizing
• Clarify new roles
13
C O N S
U N L O C K IN G
U L T A N T S
P EO P L E P O T E N T I A L
BIM session 6/7/06