دانلود رایگان مقاله استرس شغلی در نیروهای مسلح

Abstract

This study attempts to explore factors influencing occupational stress faced by Indian army soldiers and evaluate applicability of the scale used for measuring occupational stressors. Structured interview schedules were used to collect first hand data from a sample of 415 soldiers. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) highlights lack of control at work, role conflict, inadequate awareness about profession, workload and job pressure, and indifferent organisational attitude as the major occupational stressors in the Indian army. In addition, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirms occupational stressor as an eight factor model in the army. The study recommends implementing commitment-based management approach and techniques such as Sahaja Yoga meditation in the army.

Conclusion

To conclude, the study highlights that the major factors imposing occupational stress among the Indian soldiers are lack of control at work, role conflict, inadequate awareness about profession, workload and job pressure, and indifferent organisational attitude. Further, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed an eight factor model of occupational stressors in the Indian army (excluding inadequate awareness about profession), which shows that the scale used in the present study for measuring occupational stressors has high diagnostic ability for identifying areas requiring strategic focus in the Indian army. Thus, the Indian army should redirect its resources towards controlling and minimising these negative organisational factors. The study recommends a gradual shift from control-based management system in the army to a commitment-based management system by placing transformational leaders at key positions; and creating just, fair and egalitarian management practices to develop an open and trusting culture; and fostering empowerment and participation of soldiers in decision-making in order to enhance integration, communication, teamwork, motivation, commitment and performance of the soldiers to create a healthy and stressfree working environment at large. Further, practices such as Sahaja Yoga meditation should be introduced as a regular morning exercise to treat mental stress in the armed forces.