Measuring Occupational Stress among Management Information Systems Workers and Users in the Financial Services Sector: The Case of Bahraini Bankers

Occupational stress is considered to be a main health problem for both individuals and organizations. This study has investigated the measurement of occupational stress among Management Information Systems (MIS) Users in different banks in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Furthermore, to identify their high job stressor factors and increase understanding of the impact of individuals differences in occupational stress. A descriptive, cross sectional survey was performed in five banks. Using quota sampling, MIS users’ from different divisions were asked to complete questionnairesincluding demographic data, job stress and stressor factors. Six main stress factors were identified among MIS users banker staff: 1) intrinsic work characteristics (job design); 2) work culture and function; 3) managerial role; 4) career development; 5) relationships at work and 6) home-work interface. A total of 250 self-administrated questionnaires were distributed (hand delivery) to the banks divisions. The overall response rate was 80.8% (202/250) and the result suggested that over a third of MIS users in banks reported that their jobs were highly stressful. The bankers are exposed to high job stressors such as job design (overload, long working hours, deadlines and time pressure, repetitive task and lack of variety, and shortages of staff); and career development (under promotion and working at a level below their level of abilities and skills). However, the result of this research can be applied for improving sources of occupational stress and further, precluding severe stress and concern was expressed that such findings should be considered when delivering stress management programs.