A model of projects as a source of stress at work: A case for scenario-based education and training

Article

Darling, Eric John and Whitty, Stephen Jonathan. 2020. "A model of projects as a source of stress at work: A case for scenario-based education and training." International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. 13 (2), pp. 426-451. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-01-2019-0003
Article Title

A model of projects as a source of stress at work: A case for scenario-based education and training

ERA Journal ID19203
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsDarling, Eric John (Author) and Whitty, Stephen Jonathan (Author)
Journal TitleInternational Journal of Managing Projects in Business
Journal Citation13 (2), pp. 426-451
Year2020
PublisherEmerald
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN1753-8378
1753-8386
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-01-2019-0003
Web Address (URL)https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJMPB-01-2019-0003/full/html
Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the relationship between project work and stress. It examines how the conditions of project work negatively impact on an individual’s mental and physical state of well-being, consequentially reducing organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors systematically review the project management literature for sources of stress or stressors as it relates to Cooper and Marshall’s (1976) model of stress at work. The authors perform a thematic analysis on these stressors to reveal the “sub-stressor” conditions of project work.

Findings
A “model of projects as a source of stress at work” is developed. It shows the relationship between the sub-stressors of project work and the ill effects they have on mental and physical well-being of the project workforce.

Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study are constrained by the limits of a literature review process. This study has implications for research on stress in project work, as studies can benefit from the “model of projects as a source of stress at work”, which can be continually advanced to gain insights on the minimisation of physical and mental distress.

Practical implications
Many sectors including health, education, policing, aviation and military provide scenario-based training. In project management, a greater understanding of stressful scenarios and counter measures would improve health outcomes for project staff, human relations and project outcomes.

Originality/value
The study presents a comprehensive model of projects as a source of stress at work. It draws attention to the burden and cost of anxiety and stress placed on the project workforce. It makes the case for organisations and employees to take responsibility for the well-being of project staff.

KeywordsTraining, Human resources, Stress, Anxiety, Work satisfaction, Conflict, Human capital dimensions of projects, Critical project studies, Health and wellness
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020429999. Other health sciences not elsewhere classified
359999. Other commerce, management, tourism and services not elsewhere classified
350503. Human resources management
Public Notes

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Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Southern Queensland
Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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