A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Occupational Stressors Among Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in the Zambian Construction Industry: A Preliminary Study
Globally, SMEs have a major impact on the social and economic welfare of countries, as they constitute over 90% of the non-financial business economy and employ more than 60% of the working population. The construction industry is no exception with SMEs representing approximately 93.5% of all registered contractors with the National Council for Construction (NCC) in Zambia. However, compared to larger construction companies, SMEs in construction have limited human resources, limited financial resources, often undertake subcontracting work and business survival is their top priority. These challenges present distress among SME owners and their employees. Despite the prevalence of studies on physical injuries among SMEs, it remains unclear what occupational stressor SMEs are confronted with especially in developing countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of occupational stress among SMEs in the Zambian construction industry. The study further investigates the level of awareness with occupational stress and mental ill-health, attitudes and perceptions as well as coping strategies. An extensive literature review on the topic was conducted and semi-structured interviews with Likert quantitative questionnaires based on literature were formulated to conduct a preliminary study on occupational stressors and mental health issues among SMEs in the Zambian construction industry. This preliminary study forms part of an ongoing empirical research. The findings of the study revealed that most SMEs are aware of the common mental health issues and burnout was the most well-known disorder. Furthermore, 53% of the respondents said that they were stressed at work. While stigma towards mental ill-health in the workplace was ranked the highest (60%). This study only focused on the Zambian construction industry and psychological stressors affecting managers.
Occupational Stressors Among Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in the Zambian Construction Industry: A Preliminary Study
Globally, SMEs have a major impact on the social and economic welfare of countries, as they constitute over 90% of the non-financial business economy and employ more than 60% of the working population. The construction industry is no exception with SMEs representing approximately 93.5% of all registered contractors with the National Council for Construction (NCC) in Zambia. However, compared to larger construction companies, SMEs in construction have limited human resources, limited financial resources, often undertake subcontracting work and business survival is their top priority. These challenges present distress among SME owners and their employees. Despite the prevalence of studies on physical injuries among SMEs, it remains unclear what occupational stressor SMEs are confronted with especially in developing countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of occupational stress among SMEs in the Zambian construction industry. The study further investigates the level of awareness with occupational stress and mental ill-health, attitudes and perceptions as well as coping strategies. An extensive literature review on the topic was conducted and semi-structured interviews with Likert quantitative questionnaires based on literature were formulated to conduct a preliminary study on occupational stressors and mental health issues among SMEs in the Zambian construction industry. This preliminary study forms part of an ongoing empirical research. The findings of the study revealed that most SMEs are aware of the common mental health issues and burnout was the most well-known disorder. Furthermore, 53% of the respondents said that they were stressed at work. While stigma towards mental ill-health in the workplace was ranked the highest (60%). This study only focused on the Zambian construction industry and psychological stressors affecting managers.
Occupational Stressors Among Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in the Zambian Construction Industry: A Preliminary Study
Aigbavboa, Clinton (editor) / Thwala, Wellington (editor) / Aghimien, Douglas (editor) / Mukumba, Charles Poleni (author) / Raliile, Mohlomi (author) / Kajimo-Shakantu, Kahilu (author) / Haupt, Theo (author)
Construction Industry Development Board Postgraduate Research Conference ; 2022 ; Eastern Cape, South Africa
Towards a Sustainable Construction Industry: The Role of Innovation and Digitalisation ; Chapter: 70 ; 727-734
2023-04-24
8 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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