Describe the components of the organizational stress model.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The model shown depicted in the text is designed to help illustrate the link among organizational stressors, stress, and outcomes. Recall the definition of stress as a response to an action, situation, or event that places special demands on an individual. These occurrences are divided into four main categories: individual, group, organizational, and nonwork or extraorganizational. The first three stressor categories are work-related. The experience of work-related and extraorganizational stress produces outcomes: behavioral, cognitive, and physiological. The model suggests that the relationship between stress and outcomes (individual and organizational) is not necessarily direct; similarly, neither is the relationship between the stressors and stress. These relationships may all be influenced by stress moderators. Individual differences such as age, social support mechanisms, and personality are potential moderators. A moderator is a valuable attribute that affects the nature of a relationship. While numerous moderators are extremely important, we focus our attention on three representative ones: personality, Type A behavior, and social support. The stress model provides managers with a framework for thinking about stress in the workplace. Consequently, it suggests that interventions may be needed and can be effective in improving negative stress consequences. Stress prevention and management can be initiated by individuals or the organization. The intention of most preventive programs is to reduce the occurrence, intensity, and negative impact of stress. The management of stress attempts to eliminate or minimize negative consequences of stress.