Occupational stress and IT personnel in Singapore: factorial dimensions and differential effects

This study identifies key sources of stress among information technology (IT) personnel in Singapore. The relationships between the various sources of stress and IT personnel's personal characteristics such as gender and job tenure are also examined. Data were collected via a combination of mail survey and interviews. Survey data were collected from 257 IT personnel employed in an organization dealing with IT-related services and products. Factor analysis of survey data reveal six major dimensions of stress: work demands, relationships with others, career concerns, systems maintenance, role ambiguity and administrative tasks. Generally, both survey and interview data suggest that most of the factors which generate stress among IT personnel in Singapore are linked to various characteristics of IT personnel's work environment, particularly pressures associated with the job and organizational characteristics. Implications of the research findings are discussed.