The relationship between work stress and job performance in a public sector service organization

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to establish the relationship between work stress and job performance. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires administered to 70 middle managers in a public sector service organization in the North West Province of South Africa. The questionnaires incorporated the MBI General Survey Scales which measured stress levels and the Performance Assessment Rating Scale which measured performance. According to the regression analysis, there was an inverse relationship between work stress and job performance. Middle managers experienced high levels of stress which in turn impede performance. Therefore the effective handling of stress is vital for reduced stress leads to effective employee performance which enhances overall organizational performance.