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Stress at the top: myth or fact? Causal explanations from a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA)

Author

Listed:
  • Maria João Guedes

    (Universidade de Lisboa)

  • Helena Martins Gonçalves

    (Universidade de Lisboa)

  • Vítor da Conceição Gonçalves

    (Universidade de Lisboa)

Abstract

Stress and its associated health issues are a serious concern, because they not only affect employees but also organizations through related costs. The common perception is that being at the top of a hierarchy is associated with higher levels of stress because of the increased responsibilities, challenges, and demands. The present study examines this perception by applying a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. The study investigates how the top position, authority, number of subordinates, workload, and a sense of control, alone or in combination, lead to stress or its absence. The results show that there are several recipes for stress and that being (or not being) in the top position is neither a sufficient nor a necessary condition for stress (or absence of stress). One of the recipes, however, indicates that being in the top position might be conducive to stress. This finding shows that the position an individual has in the hierarchy does not determine stress. The present study also shows that the absence of a sense of control is almost always a necessary condition for predicting stress and is present in all recipes for the absence of stress. The results can inform managers about the conditions that cause stress and enable managers to think about solutions that can lead to good mental health in their organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria João Guedes & Helena Martins Gonçalves & Vítor da Conceição Gonçalves, 2017. "Stress at the top: myth or fact? Causal explanations from a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA)," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 51(5), pages 2001-2017, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:51:y:2017:i:5:d:10.1007_s11135-016-0363-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-016-0363-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul Pennings, 2005. "The Diversity and Causality of Welfare State Reforms Explored with Fuzzy-Sets," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 39(3), pages 317-339, June.
    2. Ragin, Charles C., 2000. "Fuzzy-Set Social Science," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, edition 1, number 9780226702773, December.
    3. Schneider, Martin R. & Eggert, Andreas, 2014. "Embracing complex causality with the QCA method: An invitation," jbm - Journal of Business Market Management, Free University Berlin, Marketing Department, vol. 7(1), pages 312-328.
    4. Azzem Ozkan & Mahmut Ozdevecioğlu, 2013. "The effects of occupational stress on burnout and life satisfaction: a study in accountants," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 47(5), pages 2785-2798, August.
    5. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226702766 is not listed on IDEAS
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