Rlchard Pettlnger

COOPER, C. & PAYNE, R. (1995) CAUSES, COPING AND CONSEQUENCES OF STRESS AT WORK. WILEY

This is an extensively researched academic approach to understanding the causes and effects of stress at work. It identifies the conditions that create the physiological and psychological reactions that, in turn, cause stress-related injuries and illnesses. It tackles the issues from the point of view of:

» blue collar and factory work;

» role, relationships, and responsibilities;

» white collar, administrative, and managerial situations and occupa- tions;

» computer and information technology activities; and

» changing environments.

The relationship between stress and functional activities, especially labor relations, human resource management, and management and supervisory styles, is considered and attention is drawn to the nature of individual and subjective stress responses. The study proposes organizational, managerial, and individual approaches to coping with these reactions. It also draws attention to the critical importance of organizational responses and attitudes to occupational health, and proposes a series of workplace interventions that are available and possible in different conditions.


Contributions to the study come from the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Germany. What is offered is therefore a comprehensive, substantial, and truly global perspective on the subject.