Occupational Stress on Job Performance of Staff of the University of Mines and Technology (Umat), Tarkwa, Ghana

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to assess the occupational stress levels of university staff and to analyse its effect on job performance. Descriptive survey design was adopted as the research design of the study. The primary data were collected through a self-designed questionnaire survey from 234 staff of University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, Ghana. The Research instruments were validated and tested at0.05 level of significance. The reliability of the instrument was estimated using split half method and coefficient value 0.81 was obtained. The study population was 468 teaching and non-teaching staff. A sample of 234 staff (representing 50% of the population) was drawn through quota sampling technique. The findings revealed that UMaT staff had high levels of stress; the major stress factor was work overload; there was low positive relationship between job stress and job performance; also, there was no significant difference between the level of stress experienced by both the teaching and non-teaching staff. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Counsellors should introduce stress management strategies for staff to help manage their stress levels. Also, Government should give financial clearance for management of universities to recruit adequate qualified staff to reduce work overload among others to reduce stress levels of staff.