The influence of occupation on stressors and work behaviours

Abstract

Adopting a large-scale questionnaire survey (N = 880), this study examined the influence of occupation on stressors and behaviours in the workplace. Participants from four heterogeneous occupations groups were recruited, namely: high school teachers, shop clerks, factory employees, and civil servants. Analyses indicated that both work stressors and behaviours varied across occupations. These differences were due to two major factors – occupational characteristics and individual demographics. Individual demographics, as well as the occupation itself, had subtle impact on stress formation, absence behaviour, intention of quitting job, and work morale. Research findings and their implications to personnel and management policies are discussed. Strategies to alleviate the negative impact of occupational influences are discussed accordingly.

Keywords:

• occupation
• stressors
• work behaviours