AN EXAMINATION OF THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF STRESS ON CAREER WOMEN IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study 

Stress is a biological concept denoting the repercussions that ensue when the physiological systems of humans or animals fail to react suitably to perceived or actual physical or emotional dangers. Stress can be defined as the result of an internal struggle between an individual's will and the external environment, which exerts both mental and physical strain (Tahir, 2017). It is unattainable to lead a life devoid of tension in our fast-paced society, regardless of one's occupation (student or working adult). Positive and negative stress coexist, contingent upon the subjective evaluation of the interplay between these two forces by each individual. Workplace stress is a relatively recent development in contemporary society. The characteristics of labour have undergone profound transformations in the past century and continue to evolve at an alarming rate (Vijayan, 2017). They have impacted virtually every occupation, from sales executives to artists and surgeons to commercial pilots. An increasingly dynamic work environment constitutes the primary source of tension.  Workplace tension is detrimental to one's physical health.  Consequently, work-related tension experienced by employees of organisations has an impact on the overall well-being of those organisations.  Workplace conditions that have an adverse impact on an employee's physical and mental health, as well as their performance, constitute a chronic disease known as "job stress." Stress has been recognised as a prevalent danger in the contemporary era. It has evolved into a significant watchword and a valid concern of the supreme human being. The very nature of existence has experienced profound transformations in the past century and continues to endure rapid changes (Abolade, 2018).

Abolade (2018) posits that working women employees contribute to the development of a conscientious and gifted generation. They exert a crucial influence on the development of human behaviour. The topic of occupational stress experienced by female employees in the workplace has garnered significant attention and concern in recent times. There is a growing concern that a significant number of competent female workers are leaving the workforce due to stress. This concern is fueled, in part, by the accumulating evidence that extended occupational stress can lead to both mental and physical illness. Working female employees are motivated to exert considerable effort in pursuit of achieving favourable outcomes. When it comes to organisations, the presence of a decent profession despite the arduous nature of the work indicates that these positions entail considerable mental and physical strain (Jeyarai, 2018).

Women have achieved parity with men in the workforce over the last several decades, as the number of employed women has increased. In the service industry, stress is an unavoidable and inevitable concern. Work-family tension was reported by 28% of men and 53% of women, according to a study. Their ability to concentrate on the work is also impaired. Stress poses a significant obstacle for both college instructors and their employers. Given that work-life imbalance and excessive work pressure are the primary causes of stress in business organisations, it is imperative that these organisations encourage and support employees in pursuing positions that enable them to achieve a work-life balance (Bashir et al., 2018). The findings of the study indicate that working women experience a higher level of stress compared to non-working women. They, in contrast to their counterparts, are also expected to work as homemakers. The stress experienced by working women is a direct result of their dual responsibilities. While employed women perform the equivalent of two full-time jobs, the majority of domestic labour and administration, child care, and elder care are still attributed to women. This results in time and energy constraints for employed women. According to research (Ayaz et al., 2019), the greater the number of juggling incidents per day, the greater the likelihood that she will experience low satisfaction by day's end. Additionally, the likelihood of encountering stress buffering effects escalates. Furthermore, women who lack the assistance of their partners in managing the household also encounter elevated levels of stress.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The evolving position of women in our society, along with the policies implemented by corporations and governments in response, have served as the current catalyst for research on the relationship between workplace stress and women. The majority of scholarly investigations concerning stress in the workplace have thus far concentrated on males, with limited recent interest in the origins and consequences of stress in the workplace for females (Sanghi 2016). Researchers have specifically identified a need to comprehend the potential unique stressors experienced by women in the workplace, as well as their corresponding responses to such stress. This research will shed light on these concerns and propose approaches that organisations and women may employ to manage the stress associated with the workplace for women.

1.3 Objectives of the Study 

The aim of this study is to examine the negative impact of stress on career women in Cameroon. Specifically the study seeks to:

Examine the sources of stress in career women in Cameroon.

Ascertain the impact of job stress on career women in Cameroon.

Investigate ways job stress in career women in Cameroon an be addressed.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What are the sources of stress in career women in Cameroon?

What are the impact of job stress on career women in Cameroon?

What are the ways job stress in career women in Cameroon an be addressed?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will validate this study:

Ho1: There are no negative impact of stress on career women in Cameroon

1.6 Significance of the study

The study's relevance stems from the fact that its findings may assist managers and staff of business organizations in Cameroon in determining the most effective techniques for managing stress in the workplace. The study's findings will assist employees in determining how they might enhance their job-related mental health without jeopardizing performance/productivity. That is, an organization can reduce workplace stress without lowering real work load by boosting employee authority or decision-making certainty. Additionally, it will assist managers in fine-tuning their administrative structure in order to decrease employee stress and safeguard employees' mental health—all without sacrificing productivity. Perhaps the findings will encourage organizations to place a greater emphasis on training, support, and counseling, as well as on organizational structure and job design.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study aims to carry out an examination of the negative impact of stress on career women in Cameroon. Empirically, this study will examine the sources of stress in career women, the impact of job stress on career women and investigate ways job stress in career women an be addressed.

This study will be carried out in Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

The researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that the negative impact of stress on career women discourse is vast thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size covering only residents of Cameroon. Thus findings of this study cannot be used for generalization for other regions within Cameroon. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work will impede maximum devotion to the research. Howbeit, despite the constraint encountered during the research, all factors were downplayed in other to give the best and make the research successful.

1.9 Definition of terms

Impact: A change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.

Stress: Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body's reaction to a challenge or demand.

Employee: A person employed for wages or salary, especially at non-executive level.

Performance: The action or process of performing a task or function.