Stress and coping in a high public performance appraisal situation

Abstract

Objectives: This study explored the relation between reported stress level, perceived control in the workplace, and usage of coping strategies of employees in a high public performance appraisal situation or high performance visibility situation.

Methods: The reported stress symptoms and the visibility scores of 40 professionals in the investment industry in Hong Kong and 40 non-investment professionals were compared.

Results: A positive relation was found between the reported stress level and the score on the visibility scale. Despite a higher stress level experienced by employees in high performance visibility jobs, a higher perceived control in the workplace and more usage of coping strategies were found to have a negative relation with the stress level reported. The study also revealed that the most frequently used coping strategies were those focusing on positive reaction approach, which employees seek to work at solving a problem to the best of their ability.

Discussion: The results demonstrate the importance of the strategies used in organizations in the investment industry. By adopting appropriate strategies, employees’ psychological and physiological health may be improved substantially.