also contributes to the determination of the intensity and duration of adverse stress outcomes (Langer and Michael, 1963). Rabkin and Struening (1976) devised a weighted rating scale to predict stress levels at which some degree of adverse stress outcome could be expected in the life of an individual.
Within the sphere of organizational performance, however, no research has related the combination of stress quality and quantity to changes in individual on the job work productivity. This study addressed this relationship. Further, this study sought to provide for organizational management a procedure which facilitates the prediction of changes in the on the job work productivity of individuals based upon the weighted stress levels being experienced by those individuals. Specifically, the research performed for this study addressed the following research questions:
1. Is there a relationship between the weighted level of stress experienced by an individual and changes in the work productivity of that individual, and, if so, what is the nature of the relationship?
2. Can a valid and reliable methodological procedure be developed which will permit organizational management to predict individual changes in work performance on the basis of the weighted level of stress being experienced by an individual, and, if so, what is this procedure?
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this study was to enhance the capability or organizational managements to deal effectively with productivity problems. This enhancement of capability was provided through an expansion of the knowledge of the nature of the relationship between stress experience and individual work performance, and through the development of a model which facilitates the prediction of changes in work performance on the basis of the weighted level of stress experienced.
Definitions of Terms
Stress is defined as ...