Leung, M Y; Chan, Y S I and Dongyu, C (2011) Structural linear relationships between job stress, burnout, physiological stress, and performance of construction project managers. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 18(3), pp. 312-328. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - Construction is a competitive, ever-changing, and challenging industry. Therefore, it is not surprising that the majority of construction professionals suffer from stress, especially construction project managers (C-PMs), who are often driven by the time pressures, uncertainties, crisis-ridden environment, and dynamic social structures that are intrinsic to every construction project. Extensive literature has indicated that stress can be categorized into: job stress, burnout, and physiological stress. This study aims to investigate the impact of stress on the performance of C-PMs. Design/methodology/approach - To investigate the relationships between stress and performance among C-PMs, a questionnaire was designed based on the extensive literature, and was sent to 500 C-PMs who had amassed at least five years' direct working experience in the construction industry. A total of 108 completed questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 21.6 percent. Based on the data collected, an integrated structural equation model of the stresses and performances of C-PMs was developed using Lisrel 8.0. Findings - The results of structural equation modelling reveal the following: job stress is the antecedent of burnout, while burnout can further predict physiological stress for C-PMs; job stress is negatively related only to their task performance; both burnout and physiological stress are negatively related to their organizational performance; and task performance leads positively to their interpersonal performance. Recommendations are given based on the findings to enhance their stress and performance levels. Originality/value - This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the impact of various types of stress on the performances of C-PMs. The result constitutes a significant step towards the stress management of C-PMs in the dynamic and stressful construction industry.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; performance management; project management; stress |
| Index terms: | questionnaire, construction project, methodology, burnout, manager, structural equation modelling, investigation, organizational performance, structural equation model, job stress, construction professional, project management, construction industry, social structure, performance management |
| Subjects: | statistical analysis, industry analysis, occupational health and safety management, professional development, project management theory and practice, social theory, production management, research methods, management, performance measurement, practitioner, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Project Management, Information Management, Health and Safety, Quality Management, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here