Interactive effect of organizational and individual parameters over occupational stress: A case study of Pakistani industrial workers

Abstract

Purpose. The focus of this research is to examine the interactive effect of organizational and individual parameters such as hypertension, job productivity and management system, over occupational stress parameters among Pakistani (Gujranwala) industrial workers in small, medium and large size organizations. Study design. Convenient sampling technique for data collection and calculation of sample size was done through Rao-soft sample calculator. A questionnaire was designed after validation through reliability analysis (α value). A structured questionnaire based on validated stress constructs (workload, psychosomatic reactions, job satisfaction, and management support). Blood pressure was measured following WHO guidelines. Primary data was collected from a sample of 393 workers through face-to-face interview and One-way Anova analysis with p value of 0.05 and 0.01 were considered as significant. With the help of wrist blood pressure monitor, blood pressure data was collected. SPSS version 26 and Microsoft Excel 2016 were used for analysis and representation of results in tabular and graphics forms. Findings. Results revealed a positive relationship between occupational stress, hypertension and job productivity with age, educational level, work shift, job experience, marital status and Body Mass Index (p = 0.05). Mean response of female workers response were high in terms of workplace environment, hypertension, job productivity in comparison to male workers (p = 0.05). Both small and large size enterprises were at high risk of occupational stress as compared to medium size enterprises. Implications for practice. This study shows that both labor productivity and hypertension are significantly affected by socio-demographic parameters of workers, such as age, education level, length of service, and BMI, but is limited to workers from one of the major industrial cities. Findings underscore the mediating role of occupational stress in linking organizational conditions to adverse health outcomes and diminished productivity. Policy interventions focusing on stress management, supervisor support, and organizational safety standards are critical for safeguarding workforce wellbeing. Originality. Specific research questions was designed to check the interactive effect of individual sociodemographic parameters with occupational stress variables for measuring the level of occupational stress among the industrial workers of small, medium and large enterprises.