Exploring perceptions of occupational stress amongst female academics in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology

Abstract

Stress and stress-related problems have severe human resource and financial implications for organizations in terms of absenteeism, productivity, organizational effectiveness, employee morale and medical aid subsidies. For a tertiary institution like the Durban University of Technology (DUT), the impact of stressed academics on core business activities relating to students and examinations are far-reaching. The study established that female academics at the institution perceive themselves to be experiencing occupational stress and consequently defined the types of stressors that these academics are facing. Furthermore, the researcher attempted to establish the role of DUT, if any, in the management of stress amongst its female academics. A qualitative research methodology was adopted with a focus group of purposely selected female academics from the Faculty of Management Sciences. The findings of this study demonstrated that female academics in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology are indeed experiencing high stress levels as defined in the background to the study. Recommendations on possible effective interventions were also made in order to manage the stress that these female academics are experiencing, thereby reducing the negative impact thereof on themselves and DUT.