The Associations between Work Stress, Leadership Behaviors and Job Performance among Workers in Three Types of Occupations in Malaysia

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to identify the differences in work stress, leadership behaviors (consideration and initiating structure) and job performance based on demographic information; and investigate the association between work stress, leadership behaviors and job performance after controlling other variables (demographic information). Data from 200 workers from three types of occupations in Malaysia (promoter, cleaner and factory workers) was collected. Participants were given a questionnaire consisting of six demographic information: Job Stress Scale, Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire, and Job Performance Scale. The findings revealed that female workers experience higher work stress and job performance, workplace stress and job performance are higher in different age groups (40-49 years old), the leaders were rated as being more thoughtful (consideration behavior) (30-39 years old) and initiating structure (50-59 years old). Furthermore, workers with three to four years of experience evaluated themselves as more stressed and having high job performance, but workers with less than two years of experience regarded their bosses as having more considerate behavior and initiating structure. Moreover, after controlling the demographic information, it was discovered that work stress was negatively related to job performance, whereas consideration behavior was positively associated. Lastly, the findings are discussed along with the limitations, implications and recommendations for future research.