The Singapore executive: stress, personality and wellbeing

Abstract

Examines the Singapore executive in the service sector – insurance, financial and banking – in terms of the level of stress experienced, coping styles, and personality (Type‐A/Type‐B). Tests the relationship between personality type, perceptions of stress and psychological wellbeing. Also examines the level of stress and psychological wellbeing across the three industries. Although Type‐A executives reported a significantly higher level of stress than Type‐B executives, they were not psychologically less healthy than their Type‐B counterparts. Executives across the three industries did not differ in terms of reported stress; executives in the finance sector tended to be more worn out and uptight than executives in the banking and insurance sectors. Work overload, role ambiguity and relationships with colleagues were cited to be the major stressors, while “switch‐off”, exercise and quiet control were the most common coping techniques. Discusses interventions aimed at changing work and task variables and changing characteristics of executives.

Citation

Ho, J.T.S. (1995), "The Singapore executive: stress, personality and wellbeing", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 47-55. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621719510084194