Stress & Power Stress – Chapter 6 Power & Politics – Chapter 10 pp. 299-313

Stress Defined Stress is a person’s adaptive response to a stimulus that places excessive psychological or physical demands on that person.

Distress and Eustress Eustress Distress The pleasurable stress that accompanies positive events. Distress The unpleasant stress that accompanies negative events.

Stress as a Person x Situation Interaction Assumption: Events trigger stress, but people respond to stress differently Individual difference factors moderate INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES STRESSOR STRESS REACTION

Type A and Type B Personality Profiles The Type A individual is extremely competitive, very devoted to work, and has a strong sense of time urgency. The Type B person is less competitive, is less devoted to work, and has a weaker sense of time urgency. vs.

Hardiness Hardiness A person’s ability to cope with stress. People with hardy personalities: Have internal locus of control Are strongly committed to the activities in their lives View change as an opportunity for advancement and growth

Optimism Optimism The extent to which a person sees life in relatively positive or negative ways. “Is the glass half empty or half full?” In general, optimistic people tend to handle stress better than pessimistic people.

Causes of Stress: Organizational Stressors Task Demands: - Occupation - Security - Overload Role Demands: - Ambiguity - Conflict Physical Demands: - Temperature - Office Design Interpersonal Demands: - Group Pressures - Leadership Style - Personalities

Consequences of Stress: Individual Consequences Behavioral: - Alcohol Abuse - Drug Abuse - Violence Psychological: - Sleep Disturbances - Depression Medical: - Heart Disease - Headaches

Organizational Consequences Performance Declines Withdrawal: Absenteeism Turnover Attitudes: Decreased Satisfaction & Commitment Burnout

Managing Stress in the Workplace Individual Coping Strategies Exercise Relaxation Time Management Role Management Support Groups

Managing Stress in the Workplace Organizational Coping Strategies Institutional Programs Collateral Programs

Power The capacity of “A” to influence the behavior of “B” so that “B” does things that he/she would not otherwise do. A B Behavior

Bases of Power Reward – control rewards Coercive – punish or harm Legitimate – position Expert – control information Referent – “I want to be you”

Position vs. Personal Power Legitimate Reward Coercive Information PERSONAL Referent Expert Persuasive Charisma