THE EFFECT OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS ON EMPLOYEES PRODUCTIVITY IN A COMPLEX ORGANISATION

Abstract

This study attempts to explain the concept of occupational stress, its sources, effects on the disposition of Nigerian workers and the organization. It focuses on factors both internal and external that are job related which are possible causes of occupational stress symptoms. The term “stress” carries a variety of meanings depending on how it is used. Stress may be seen as the non-specific response of the body or organization to any demand made. It is seen as “the change in the state of the internal system which results from the external stress”. Stress connoted the presence of physical, chemical or emotional factors that cause mental strain or tension. “an adaptive response to an external situation that results in physical, psychological or behavioural derivation of people The body normally adapts to those demands by autonomic and subconscious mechanism which often protect us and are referred to as the “General Adaptation Syndrome”. Three major classes of symptoms of stress in the individual were identified by Schuler R.S (2002). They are: physiological, psychological and behavioural.