Job stress and human resource develpment at the college of distance education, University of Cape Coast,Ghana

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the issue of job stress and its effect on some ‘human components’ of HRD (general health, wellbeing, capabilities and cognitive capacity). The study adopted a descriptive research design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Target population comprised staff of the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast. The census approach was used to include all the 223 staff at the College in the study. Data collection was done through a survey questionnaire and a key informant interviews and presented using frequencies and percentages. Statistical tools employed include: A single sample t-test, Pearson’s product moment coefficient, the Chi-Square test of independence, a simple linear regression and a Principal Component Analysis. The findings suggested that the major sources of job stress at CoDE were work demand, work-life conflict and work overload, and that, job stress inversely affect all the components of HRD. The study also found 60% of the staff to have moderate stress levels and 22% to have high stress levels. It was further discovered that CoDE’s staff employ disengagement, active, acceptance coping and problem solving approaches in combating job stress. However, no formal stress management strategies were identified. The study recommended that CoDE’s mode of operation should be enhanced with emerging technologies, the Regional Centers should be adequately resourced to handle some of the activities of the College, and there should be periodic health screening for all staff to identify those who may be at risk and to assist them