ACADEMIC STAFF ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN THE STRESS MANAGEMENT EFFORTS OF UNIVERSITY OF UYO

This work set out to examine the role of communication as a tool for stress management among Academic staff of the University of Uyo. The survey method, was employed for collecting data for the study. Questionnaire and personal interview were used as data collection instruments. A total of 156 respondents were drawn from a population of 1073, using the stratified random sampling procedure. It was found that workload, inconducive environment and lack of facilities are the most prevalent stressors among academic staff of the institution. It was also found that stress reduction programmes and strategies are not effectively communicated to the academic staff. Also, it was found that communication has not fared well in its informative, interpretative and mediatory functions as a tool for stress management. Based on the findings, it was recommended that a more deliberate approach should be employed in communicating stress management programmes to staff. It was also recommended that the institution should adopt the “management by walking About” style of management. Also, that management should create avenues for upward communication between Academic staff and management.