THE MANAGEMENT OF STRESS IN AN ORGANIZATION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODCUTION

1.1       Background Information to the Study

Weber (1942) defines “Stress as a constraining pressure. Stress is an external force operating on a system, be that system an organization or person. In this regard, and for the purpose of this study, the researcher will outline the effects of stress and its effect on the management and administration of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Ilorin Branch, as well as the adverse effect of stress on efficiency.

            The efficiency and effectiveness of an organization is determined by the zeal and commitment of its work force. The performance of such a work-force can be reduced through stress induced work schedule.

            Stress is a normal occurrence, it manifest at working place or at home, conversely in all activities, relative stress is involved. In an organization, stress is manifested in the work-load and pressure from the top echelon downward since the administration of most organization is hierarchical.

            Hierarchy provides grades of authority from the lowest to the highest, in such a situation anxiety, depression uneasiness and apathy becomes unavoidable in the administration of a public service that is full of backbiting, buck-passing and witch-hunting.

            The cause of stress in most organizations is as a result of a negative trend in the public service of which the Central Bank of Nigeria belongs. These trends not only cause stress, but also jeopardize the job.

1.2       Statement of the Research Problems

            The nature of the research work “Management of Stress in an organization-causes and Consequences” are not only empirical, but theoretical and therefore cumulative.

            The employees of Central Bank of Nigeria work under undue pressure due to the increase level of activity as a result of merger of some banks and complete overhaul of the banking system that took place in 2005. Another problem has been that of monitoring and evaluating other banks performance, while the state offices are not only charged with the responsibility of serving as a cash centre and a banker to government and other commercial banks but also to monitor the transactions and ensuring that their core objective are maintained.

            The study is to look at the causes and consequences of stress in relation to the activities of Central Bank of Nigeria and how it could be managed within available limited resources.

1.3       Research Questions

A stress test an assessment of how a system functions under severe or unexpected pressure can help you home in on the most important issues to address, whatever the economic climate. By asking tough questions about your business, you can identify confusion, inefficiency, and weaknesses in your strategy and its implementation.

As Roger (1987) once warned, “The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong questions.” For the past 25 years I have researched the drivers of successful strategy execution in a variety of companies and industries. Through this work I have identified seven questions that all executives should ask and be able to answer. Master this list, and you will keep the fundamentals of your strategy execution on track.

The questions may seem obvious, but the choices they represent can be tough, and their full implications are not always immediately clear. The first two questions compel you to set strict priorities. The next two assess your ability to focus on those priorities by designating critical performance variables and constraints. Questions five and six investigate whether you are using techniques that will enhance creative tension and commitment. The final question deals with your ability to adapt your strategy over time.

1.4       Objectives of the Study

            The general approach to stress, whatever the source, has been to see it in negative light, as something that always must be either reduced or avoided altogether. Stress is not necessarily a bad thing and if we always tried to avoid it, we would never establish intimate relationships, try new things or even succeed at work. This simply means that stress cannot be completely avoided. On the other side of the coin, the negative effect of prolonged stress can, often do take their toll. These effects can include confusion, indecision, decrease in overall effectiveness and inability to relate to other people.