Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai Manjari Srivastava1 Abstract The changing nature of the economy and increased entirely different perspective of people in the competition has put a great demand on society. Professionals in the service sector suffer professionals today. As a result, workaholism is from more stress and anxiety compared to those in e m e rg i n g a s a b e h av i o r p a t te r n a m o n g the manufacturing sector. Overall, the unmarried professionals. The main objective of the study is an and a younger age group of professionals are exploration towards identifying the relationship perceived to have a higher level of anxiety and stress between workaholism, job demands, work values than married and the senior age group. Knowledge and perceived stress and anxiety among working of these results may be utilized by academia and professionals in Mumbai, India. The study was done professionals in understanding the workaholic under exploratory framework and the sampling behavior of the current Indian professionals driven procedure was purposive. Results reveal the by globalization and economic boom. dimensions of workaholism, work values and job demands that emerged as predictors of stress and Key words: Stress and anxiety, workaholism, job anxiety. Some of the dimensions of job demands demands, Indian executives, service sector, showing the extreme nature of the job came out as manufacturing secto the negative predictor of stress, which reflects an 94 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 1 Dr. Srivastava can be reached at Manjari.Srivastava@nmims.edu University of Otago has indicated that work-related 1. Introduction: During the great depression of the 1930s, in Great Britain, philosopher Bertrand Russell predicted that the “road to happiness and prosperity lies in an organized diminution of work” (Leggiere, 2002:42). With a growing trend of technology and increasing affluence among the masses, Bertrand's ecoutopian philosophy asserts that in the near future, stress has been found to be a cause of clinical depression and anxiety among young adults. A study of almost 900 people who were 32-year-olds, found that 14 percent of women and 10 percent of men experience stress at work - and with no prior mental health problems - had a first episode of depression or anxiety at age 32. masses would have the leisure to peruse themselves for intellectual growth, which was solely confined to the “leisured elite”. Such visions were popular largely among the visionaries and radicals till the post-war era. However, during the early 21st century, the moot issue that emerged among business scholars and leaders was how to keep More people are being exposed to stress at work, and stress rates have increased in the past decade. We now know that work-related stress is associated with psychiatric health problems that increase health-care and societal costs, and reduce work productivity. business ethics of work hours in the era of increasing leisure and comfort through aggressive Henceforth, the topics of stress and health have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years, consumerism. not only among psychologists but also with the The debate and the concern among business experts was to probe how quickly productivity enhancing technology would overthrow the “less work hours” trend with the “more work hours” culture. Further, with the open era economy and fast pace of technology innovation and competitiveness, a new 24/7 economy has unleashed the traditionally puritan garb of centuries old industrial paradigm, and has freed the business environment as never before. As a consequence, a shift in work culture and working pattern of executives is apparently visible. The new economy organizations became highly demanding. Globalization, rapid technological advancement and the un-satiated need for growth led to increased incidence of poor popular press. In the West, the important role of occupational health has long been highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO1950; WHO1985), and is also an important dimension in the Community Charter (CEC, 1989) and the related Action Programme (CEC, 1989). There have been numerous reports in literature that high levels of perceived work stress are associated with low levels of job satisfaction and poor mental health (Saini, P., 2010; Sharma, R. 2010; Kanwar, Singh and Kodwani, 2009). Caplan et al, (1975), for example, found evidence that work stress was associated with high levels of both anxiety and depression. Other studies have reported significant relationships between levels of occupational stress and reactions of anger (Hodapp, 1988), high levels of work-family conflict mental health among working executives. (Greenhause, et al. 1987), low levels of life and In a study reported in New Zealand Management (Anonymous, 2007), research done by Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health & Development at the ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 marital adjustment (Greenhause, et al. 1987) and reports of physical symptomatology (Innes & Kitto, 1989). Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai 95 Not only in the western part of the world, but also in workload and anxiety was greatest for Type-A the east, the once rarely discussed subject on stress persons, and a similar but non-significant trend and anxiety, has now become widespread and is appeared for the effects of anxiety on heart rate. often discussed in daily conversations. The word "stress" has become almost a household word. Research has also shown that Type-A individuals Indian culture, which is known for its values of will perceive and experience more stress than Type- tolerance, resilience, peacefulness, karma (the B individuals. According to two American virtue of belief in work without expectation) and cardiologists, Friedman and Rosenman (1974), dharma (religion) are losing some of their cultural Type-A individuals are those who are in a constant capacity to absorb stress. Work stress has found its and urgent struggle to get a number of things done milieu in Indian business organizations and many in the least amount of time, and tend to suffer from other MNCs working from India and spreading like coronary heart disease and strokes. Type-B cancer across various levels and hierarchies of individuals, on the other hand, have no driving urge employees (Sinha, A.K. and Jain, A., 2010; Srivastava, or desire to succeed. M., 2011, Sharma, R.R., 2010; Bhaskar & Rao, 2010). Another significant personality attribute of working Causes of Stress Stress has been attributed to various factors in the environment and within the person (Kinman and Jones, 2005). The reasons cited for causing stress vary from lack of support from the management, poor inter-personal relations, demands of the role and task, workplace violence, lack of flexibility, challenging physical environment to individualrelated factors like personal health, low ability, low executives that has emerged in the last few decades to suit the demand of the changing economy and business environment is “workaholism”. The word has also been hyped through aggressive media glorifying 60-hour work-weeks and palm pilot centred working weekends and vacations with glamorous package incentives - a popular corporate buzz for executive personnel in the post-modern business world. self esteem, poor coping skills, low resilience, workaholism and many more such factors. Some researchers have also linked personality type with stress prone-ness. For example, Caplan & Jones (1975) studied the Type-A personality (hard driving, persistent, involved in work) as a conditioner of the effects of quantitative workload and role ambiguity (stresses) on anxiety, depression, resentment, and heart rate (strains) among 73 males. In their study, role ambiguity was positively associated with anxiety, depression, and resentment; subjective workload was positively associated only with anxiety. Anxiety was positively related to heart rate. The relationship between 96 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 The word “workaholism” has also created concern among scholars and critics across the globe. The oozing debate has been on what are the attributes that constitute “workaholism”. Are such attributes of “workaholism” beneficial to organizations and thus should be welcomed and professionally rewarded? What could be the antecedents and consequences of such “workaholism” at multiple social levels? Questions have also been raised on the association of workaholic behavior with a variety of personal well-being indicators such as psychological, physical health and self esteem (Spence & Robbins, 1992, Naugton, 1987, Scott, Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai Moore& Miceli, 1997, Mosier, 1982). Further, researchers (Moiser, 1982; Cherrington, different types of “workaholic” behaviour patterns 1980;Spence and Robinson, 1992; Oates, 1981; with unique antecedents and outcomes are also Fassel, 1990;) described different workaholic types likely to exist as specific to personnel and both with positive and negative connotations. organizations. Along with varied definitions and These dimensions of the concept of “workaholism” conceptualizations of “workaholism”, there is a need put forth a necessity to understand and to understand how workaholism contributes to conceptualize the word “workaholism”, though stress and anxiety among executives. There is understanding and conceptualizing the process by considerable consensus in the literature on several scholars (porter,1996; Killinger1991; workaholism on the association of workaholism Seybold & Salomone,1994) has appeared to be and poorer psychological and physical well being. In widely varied and conflicting. fact, some definitions of workaholism in the corporate aspect are of diminished health. It is not surprising that this relationship has received Workaholism The initial study of “workaholism” was confined to popular magazines that pulled their readers (Kiechel, 1989) or popular self-help books (like Fassel, 1990, Killinger, 1991, Mchlowitch, 1980, Oates, 1971). Despite its popular appeal, it has taken more than three decades to bring the attention of the scholars to define / conceptualize “workaholism”. Porter, G. 1996, Fassel,D,1990). The opinions, observations and conclusions about workaholism are both varied and conflicting. Some writers view workaholism positively from the organization's point of view (Korn et al, 1987; Machlowitz, 1980; Sprankle and Ebel, 1987). Others view it negatively (Killinger, 1991; Schaef and Various scholars have tried to understand and decode the word “workaholism” from different perspectives viz, nature of behavior, work hours in terms of classifying the nature of 'work', etc. Oates (1971; P: 4) was the first thinker to interpret “workaholism”. He defines a “workaholic” as a person “whose need for work has become so excessive that it creates noticeable disturbance or interference with his bodily health, personal happiness and interpersonal relationships, and with his smooth social functioning”. Killinger (1991; P: 6) also shared that a workaholic “is a person who gradually becomes emotionally crippled and addicted to control and power in a compulsive drive to gain approval and success. Various other ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 research attention ( Burke 2001; Mosier, S.K., 1982; Fassel, 1988; Oates, 1971). Some researchers (Fassel 1990; Schaef and Fassel, 1988) have suggested that organizational factors play a role in the development and maintenance of workaholism. Organizations reward workaholic behaviors. Individuals who put in long working hours, spending time on work out of office hours, are rewarded with recognition and better career opportunities. Organizations supporting the use of latest technologies and developing a work culture where extra working hours and sacrifices are seen as requirement for success and advancement, reinforce workaholic behavior. Such workplaces are seen to be preferred by an increasing number of executives and seem to be more satisfying than the home. (Hochschild, 1997). Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai 97 Working Conditions and Stress (Anonymous, 2007). Gender difference also plays a While considering the external stress factors, the role in perception of stress and anxiety due to job role of environmental factors have been widely demands. According to Dunedin Multidisciplinary researched and within that, working conditions Health and Development study at the University of have been talked about time and again as one of the Otago (Anonymous, 2007), women, who reported most prominent factors. According to Korunka et al high psychological job demands, such as working (1997), it was found that employees' experience of long hours, working under pressure or without stress, strain and dissatisfaction are influenced by clear direction, were 75 percent more likely to suffer contextual factors at the organizational level. from clinical depression or general anxiety Information technology, job characteristics (low disorder than women who reported the lowest level decision latitude) and external workload (family, of psychological job demands. Men with high children and household responsibility) lead to psychological job demands were 80 percent more stress and dissatisfaction. According to Macklem, likely to suffer from depression or anxiety Katherine (2005), “business firms are like disorders than men with lower demands. Men with psychopaths that can wreak havoc in the low levels of social support at work were also found communities where they operate. Human resource to be at increased risk of depression, anxiety, or experts are finding a same kind of havoc within a both. The researchers found that almost half of the company that can have disastrous effects on its cases of depression or generalized anxiety disorder employees. It's a phenomenon that's become newly diagnosed at age 32 were directly related to increasingly prevalent, they say, so much so there's workplace stress and high job demands. now a new moniker to describe the situation: the toxic work environment. In today's business world, Focus of the Paper where there's an unprecedented focus on next On the basis of the aforesaid literature and existing quarter's earnings, the toxic company is becoming discourse on “workhaholism”, the present paper increasingly commonplace.” explores the relationship between anxiety and stress among executives as a function of extreme job Based on published literature and self-observations conditions, work values and workaholism. The on demanding working conditions in today's work also looks into the data with respect to certain organizations, the present research study included demographical variables and industry type. job conditions and work values to explore the linkages with perceived stress and anxiety among Significance of Research working professionals. A large gamut of literature review on “workhalism” has been widely varied and conflicting. Also, there Demographic variables and stress are several research papers in the early 80s which Research shows that younger workers are are more clinical research based. Studies, by and consistently less satisfied with their jobs than older large, have not addressed workers (Hall,1994; Schultz, 1973, Srivastava, workaholism as a factor to be considered in respect 2011). Work related stress is a cause of clinical of the mental health of employees. Lack of empirical depression and anxiety among young adults enquiry, particularly in the industrial sector, and 98 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 attributes of Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai overall paucity of data in the Indian context Methodology provokes researchers' interest to explore the To ascertain certain research issues, questions were relationship between workaholism, work values, raised and explored utilizing multivariate frame- job conditions and stress. Knowledge of these work. The sampling procedure was purposive. results may be utilized by academia and Management professionals, mostly belonging to professionals in understanding the phenomena middle and upper level of hierarchy and working for better and taking corrective action. manufacturing and service sector organizations in Mumbai, were contacted. The age group of The Research Issues respondents varied from 24 years to 50 years. Data Reiterated here, the research issues were to see was collected through a structured interview what could be the various underlying dimensions of schedule as well as electronically mailing the workaholism, work values and job demands that questionnaire to the executives, and responses may impact the diverse dimensions of stress and were obtained. Though initially 230 respondents anxiety as perceived by executives at work. were approached with a request to fill the Secondly, whether the perception of stress and questionnaire, finally the sample size was reduced anxiety differs among executives based on age to 150 only. group and marital status, or because of working in The questionnaires were constructed by the author different industries. and were subjected to factor analysis. The method The following research questions were raised to test utilized was principal factoring with oblique the relationship among variables; rotation. Certain stands were taken in using factor 1. What is the strength of association between the analysis. These were; (a) extraction of factors was factors of workaholism, job demands and work stopped after eigen value dropped below unity; (b) values with anxiety for old age and physical items belonging to specific factors were kept non- attractiveness? overlapping; (c) only those items were retained in a 2. What is the strength of association between the particular factor which had loading equal to or more factors of workaholism, job demands and work than .50 on that factor, and did not have a cross values with 'irrational fear, guilt and anxiety for loading of equal to or more than .30 on any other work'? factor simultaneously;(d) single item factors though 3. What is the strength of association between the having loading of .50 and above were not retained. factors of workaholism, job demands and work Items within a single factor with a high loading (0.50 values with 'stress, restlessness and health and above) were given a factor name. The details of problems'? the measure/questionnaire are as follows; 4. What is the difference in mean values of stress a n d a n x i e t y w i t h re s p e c t to c e r t a i n demographic variables and industry types? ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai 99 Measures substitute, (d) Extended travelling. Some of the The measures used in the study had Likert type items of the scale are, “Unpredictable flow of work; rating scale from 1 to 5. Rating of 1 = do not agree, 2 = Fast paced work under tight deadlines; Inordinate agree to little extent, 3 = agree to some extent, 4 = scope of responsibility that amounts to more than agree to a large extent, 5 = absolutely agree one job; Work related events outside regular work hours; Availability to clients 24/7; large number of Scale 1: Workaholism. This questionnaire consisted direct reports.” The alpha coefficients of the scale is of 25 items having dimensions as (a) Work .660. Obsession, (b) Self-reliance and absence of socialization, (c) Exhaustion, (d) Timeliness and Scale 5: Stress and Anxiety. This questionnaire achievement orientation, (e) Importance to consisted of 17 items having 3 underlying recognition and work control. Some of the items of dimensions named as (a) Anxiety for old age and workaholism scale are, “Haunted by a constant physical attractiveness, (b) Irrational fears, guilt sense of time urgency; Pay high importance to and anxiety about work progress, (c) Stress, recognition at work; Would like to keep everything restlessness and health problems. Some of the items under control, thus prefer to do work on my own; measuring Stress and Anxiety are, “Many a time I There is very little time for social and personal feel physically and mentally exhausted; Health relationships in my present position; Many a time I problem has become a part of life; My sleep is feel physically and mentally exhausted; The belief usually restless and disturbed; I sometimes feel I am that, "time is a prized possession" is correct. The getting old too soon; I rarely drink water outside for alpha coefficients of the scale is .860. fear that it may contain germs; I am a little more nervous than others; Sometimes there is memory Scale 3: Work Values. This questionnaire consisted losses of conversation because of exhaustion.” of 8 items having dimensions as (a) Rewarding Hard and Long hours and Competitive Culture, (b) Fast The alpha coefficients of the scale is .879. Growth and Competition. Some of the items of Work Value scale are, “Working long hours are always Demographic Characteristics of the rewarded; Organization believes in fast growth; Respondents had items including information Organization promotes the culture of midnight oil; about age, gender, years of service, type of Organization promotes the culture of competition.” organization and marital status. The details of the The alpha coefficients of the scale is .700. information is given in Table 1 Scale 4: Extreme job conditions. Job demands were measured through a scale on extreme job conditions. This questionnaire consisted of 10 items having dimensions as (a) Unpredictable, Fast-paced work with Inordinate Job Responsibilities, (b) Responsibility for clients 24/7, profit and loss (c) Long working hours, work pressure and no 100 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai Table 1 Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents 1. Average Age of the respondents in years 37 2. Percentage of Male respondents 86 3. Percentage of Female respondents 14 4. Average working hours per week 5. Position in the company - Middle Management (%) 70 6. Position in the company - Senior Management (%) 30 7. Marital Status - Married (%) 85 8. Percentage of respondents having children 80 9. Average annual salary of respondents* 67.66 Rs. 1380000/- *(salary approximations as told by respondents) Results and Analysis Correlation Results To carry out the study, certain research questions The means, standard deviations, and correlation were raised and sought through step-wise multiple coefficients are shown in Table 2. It is apparent that regression analyses. The questions were raised to factors of workaholism have significant positive explore the relationships between underlying correlations with factors of work values and the dimensions of workaholism, work values and job factors of dependent variable stress and anxiety, demands with the underlying dimensions of stress though the values are not very high. Work values are and anxiety among executives. correlated to stress and anxiety significantly but with low coefficients. Factors of job demands have used to both positive and negative correlations with stress determine the importance of each of these variables and anxiety. The mean and SD values are also in accounting for employees' stress and anxiety. In depicted in the table. A step-wise regression analysis was the study, independent variables are (1) Factors of Workaholism, (2) Work Values and (3) Job Demands. The dependent variable is (1) Stress and Anxiety. ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai 101 Means, Standard Deviations, and Correlation Analysis Table 2 102 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai 103 Regression Analysis As mentioned earlier, step-wise regression analysis was used to address the research questions. The first research question was raised to see the pattern of relationships among factors of workaholism, work values, and job demands with the factor of dependent variable, stress i.e., 'perceived anxiety for old age and physical attractiveness.' The results are depicted in Table 3, and only the variables that came out as significant predictors of dependent variable are mentioned in the table. Variables excluded from the regression equation are not included in the table. Table 3 Results of Step-wise Regression Analysis of Independent variables, factors of workaholism, work values and job demands' Against Dependent variable 'anxiety for old age and physical attractiveness' Anxiety for old age and physical attractiveness Variables Beta T Sig Work obsession (workaholism) .346 3.838 .000 Exhaustion (workaholism) .342 4.285 .000 Fast growth & competition (work values) .202 2.757 .007 Responsibility for clients 24/7, profit and loss (Job demands) -.180 -2.404 .017 Unpredictable work with inordinate job responsibilities (Job demands) -.186 -2.283 .024 R2 .272 F 10.627 Df 5,142 In the first regression analysis, the following factors Among the independent variables, the factors of came out as the significant predictors for criterion workaholism are the stronger predictors of stress variable 'Stress and Anxiety.' The variables and anxiety than the factors of work values and job predicting anxiety for old age and physical demands. The two significant predictors of attractiveness are - work obsession, exhaustion, workaholism have the beta weight = .346 and .342, work values for fast growth and competition, 24/7 followed by work values and job demands. Another availability to clients, responsibility for profit and significant finding is that factors of job demand have loss, and unpredictable fast pace of work with negative beta weights (-.180 and -.186). That inordinate job responsibility. The variables shared conveys the opposite relationship between extreme 27% variance with outcome variable 'Stress & job conditions and anxiety for old age and physical Anxiety.' attractiveness. 104 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai The second research question raised was, “What is amongst all the independent variables, only two the strength of association between factors of factors of workaholism emerged as the predictor of workaholism, factors of work values, factors of job fear - guilt and anxiety for work progress. In this demands with the dependent variable, irrational work, obsession is a stronger predictor (beta=.292) fear, guilt and anxiety for work progress?” To seek than self-reliance and absence of socialization an answer, another multiple regression was done. (beta=.188). The results are depicted in Table 4. It shows that shared by both the variables is 16%. R2 is .164, showing that variance Table 4 Results of Step-wise Regression Analysis of Independent variables, factors of workaholism, work values and job demands' Against Dependent variable 'irrational fear, guilt and anxiety for work progress' Irrational fear, guilt and anxiety for work progress Variables Beta T Sig Work obsession (Workaholism) .292 3.537 .001 Self reliance and absence of socialization (Workaholism) .188 2.282 .024 R2 .164 F 14.184 Df 2,145 The third intent of the research was to see the the factors of job demands. This time again, two strength of association between the factors of factors of job demand -'Extended travelling, and workaholism, job demands and work values with unpredictable fast pace work with inordinate job stress, restlessness and health problems. responsibilities has emerged as negative predictors of 'stress, restlessness and health problems.' The answer was sought through step-wise MRA. Another job dimension - responsibility for clients Results (Table 5) show that work obsession and 24/7, profit and loss (job demands) has emerged as factors of job demands emerged as strong the positive predictor of dependent variable. All the predictors for dependent variable 'health independent variables shared 41% (R2=.412) problems.' Work obsession having the highest beta variance with the dependent variable. value (.502) is the strongest predictor followed by ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai 105 Table 5 Results of Step-wise Regression Analysis of Independent variables, factors of workaholism, work values and job demands' Against Dependent variable 'Stress, restlessness and health problems' Stress, restlessness and health problems Variables Beta T Sig Work obsession (workaholism) .502 6.730 .000 Extended travelling (Job demands) -.292 -4.540 .000 Unpredictable fast pace work with inordinate job responsibilities (Job demands) -.244 -3.443 .001 Responsibility for clients 24/7, profit and loss (Job demands) .190 2.513 .013 R2 .412 F 25.053 Df 4,143 T-test Results To find the difference in terms of age group, a The fourth intent of the research was to see the dichotomous split of younger employees (in the age difference in perception of stress and anxiety as a group between 24 and 36) and middle and older function of employees' age, marital status and the group (37 to 50 years) was done. The split was made type of industry they worked for. based on the meta-analyses of age in the applied psychology literature using the age of 40 years as The T-test result in Table 6 reveals that the means of the acceptable cutoff to distinguish between manufacturing and services sector differed younger and older workers (Thornton & Dumke, significantly with respect to stress and anxiety. 2005; Ng Thomas & Feldman, 2008). The result for Employees from the service sector showing more differences between young employees and middle stress and anxiety than those from the and older ones show that stress among employees manufacturing sector. belonging to the younger age group (24 years to 36 years) is significantly high as compared to middle The result in terms of marital status of the and older ones (37 years to 50 years). employees show a significant difference in terms of perception of stress. Stress and anxiety is significantly higher among unmarried professionals compared to married professionals. 106 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai Table 6 Comparison of Industry, Marital status and age group of employees on Stress & Anxiety Discussion extreme job conditions in a metropolitan city, To understand the findings better, it is first purposive sampling was the obvious choice. important to draw attention to the sampling technique applied in the study. Whenever possible, The problem of heteroscedasticity may impact the random probability sampling is recommended interpretation, hence Levene's test of homogeneity whereas the study is based upon purposive of variance was performed, and not more than three sampling, a non-random sampling technique where variables showed the pattern of heteroscedasticity a researcher decides what needs to be known and on more than one of the non-metric variables. sets out to find people who can and are willing to Moreover, none of the non-metric variables had provide the information by virtue of knowledge or more than two problematic metric variables. In experience (Tongco, 2007). Purposive sampling is such a case, the heteroscedasticity problem would not free from bias as respondents are chosen be minimal, yet it is suggested to treat the because of convenience/ recommendations / interpretation of the results with caution. experience/ knowledge (Lopez et al. 1997, Seidler 1974). It contributes to internal validity rather than The research brings in a perspective where external validity, and despite its inherent bias, the workaholism, along with certain work values and strength of purposive sampling lies in its intentional job demands, brings a toll on working executives. It bias (Poggie 1972). Various researchers (Campbell, Implies that employees' workaholic behaviour 1955; Karmel and Jain, 1987; Topp et al. 2004) pattern, which in this research, has emerged as (a) conducted studies comparing random and work obsession, (b) self reliance and absence of purposive techniques and found that purposive socialization, (c) exhaustion, (d) timeliness and sample approximated a random sample of the achievement orientation and (e) importance to population. Since the aim of the research was to recognition and work control, is linked to stress and study those executives who are working under anxiety among executives. The stress and anxiety ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai 107 scale has come out with three major dimensions - Beating the clock has become the order of the day. (a) anxiety about old age and physical How much enjoyment can be there in our lives if we attractiveness, (b) irrational fear, guilt and anxiety are constantly in a motion to get the things done? A for work progress, (c) Stress restlessness and health frenzied lifestyle may not lead to a heart attack, but problems. The result indicate that work obsession it certainly robs us of enjoying what we have”. and working till one reaches exhaustion, a behaviour pattern of workaholics, impacts the It has been established from the preceding analysis perception of anxiety about old age and physical and academic literature that stress and anxiety at attractiveness. Even the work values of the work is related to the workaholic behaviour pattern. organization, especially valuing 'fast growth and Along with this behaviour pattern, work values in competition', has its say on anxiety about the organization have also been found impacting the approaching old age and personal looks. stress perceived by executives. Organizations set norms for working thus promoting a particular type In the second and third regression equation again of work culture where the ethos revolves around focusing on workaholic behaviour depicting work fast growth and competition which may take its toll obsession, self reliance and absence of socialization, on people. The glaring fact is that competition has working till mental and physical exhaustion is again become more intense, both at the individual and linked to stress and anxiety among executives. In the organizational level. Within companies, the impact view of Cherrington (1980), workaholics have an of merger, acquisition and flatter structure has irrational commitment to excessive work and they increased the job responsibilities. The competition are unable to take time off or to comfortably divert to be on the top is fiercer than earlier because the their interests. According to Spence and Robbins positions available are now less than what they used (1992), 'Workaholic is highly work involved, feels to be a decade earlier. compelled or driven to work because of inner pressures and is low at enjoyment at work'. Being To stay competitive, organizations encourage a addicted to work is not the same as working hard culture of hard work and they reward employees especially when signs include neglecting personal generously; consequently employees with high activities, failing physical and mental health and aspirations and strong beliefs go that extra mile and unnecessary fears regarding career growth or stress themselves. In a recent research future prospects. Various research studies (Chang, (Vansteenkiste et al 2007), 2004; Kets de Vries, 2005) have found the negative holding an extrinsic, relative to an intrinsic, work impact of workaholic behaviour on a person's value orientation was associated with less positive health leading to stress and burnout. According to outcomes (i.e. less satisfaction with, dedication to Berman (2001), workaholic habits can be culprits in and vitality while on the job) and more negative our reluctance to take the personal time needed to outcomes (i.e. higher emotional exhaustion, short- stay healthy. In her article, she has cited a statement lived satisfaction after successful goal-attainment, given by a CFO in a company, “too many workaholics, and turn-over intention). These relations were not too little family life, and a questionable level of limited to job outcomes only, but also emerged as productivity due to stress make time the enemy. useful indicators of employees' general mental 108 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 it was found that Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai health. Another recent study by Vansteenkiste, lived satisfaction. Previous research has shown that Duriez, Simons, & Soenens (2006) shows that people with demanding jobs are prone to burnout having a strong focus on extrinsic, relative to (Baker,1985;Ganster,D C., & Schaubroeck,J.1991). intrinsic, life values is detrimental to well-being (e.g. lower self-esteem, vitality, self-actualization and The allure of extremes social productivity) and is associated with greater The contrary findings, that some types of extreme ill-being (e.g. higher narcissism, depressive job conditions are not seen as negative, are complaints) as well as poorer physical health. depicting a change in the social phenomenon of perception of stress. One thing is clear, that Though academic literature is full of studies successful professionals are working harder than showing the negative impact on both physical and ever. Working for more than 60 hours has become mental health due to competitive work culture, one the norm. People take pride in staying late in the startling finding has emerged in this study. The office or travelling far off for office work. Hewlett study shows that two of the factors of job (2006), in her study on extreme jobs, mentioned dimensions are negative predictor of a particular that in a global company survey, 76% of the sample type of stress (anxiety for old age and physical said that they love their jobs. Far from seeing attractiveness). It conveys that extreme working themselves as workaholics in need of help, these conditions in corporate world, responsibility for extreme workers wear their commitment like a clients 24/7 and responsibility for profit and loss; badge of honor. Almost 64% admit that the pace and unpredictable work with inordinate job pressure are self inflicted - a function of Type A responsibilities do not affect executives with regard personality. They don't feel exploited; they feel to anxiety for approaching old age and their physical exalted. The reasons could be high achievement looks. And people also do not mind extended orientation, competitive pressure and the ethos of travelling for work as they do not see it affecting “extreme” (Hewlett,et. Al., 2006). their mental and physical health. While competitive pressures in corporations are On the other side, for one of the same dimensions of making extreme jobs necessary, the other changes job demands, i.e. responsibility for clients 24/7, and in society are worthy to make a note. Over the profit and loss, executives perceive having high decade, there has been a rise in popularity of The activities that adds to the adrenaline rush and present business environment is such that makes it attractive. For example, extreme sports employees find it difficult to lead a balanced life. have become widely popular; the reality TV show People in IT, ITES and other service sectors, work 'Fear Factor' or its Hindi adaptation, 'Khatroon ke stress, restlessness and health problems. for very long hours, sometimes 24X7. Employees have inordinate job responsibilities at work, and increased usage of highly advance communication technology in work organizations require one to be available even during off duty hours. Though rewards may be large, there is a possibility of short- ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Khiladi', gives thrills by putting ordinary people to test while performing the extreme stunts. One finds an increase in neighborhood clubs and organizations that offer rock climbing, bungee jumping, surfing, skydiving, etc. In recent times, there is an upsurge in Indian media including the film industry and various other entrtainment Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai 109 sources glorifying the values of extremes that service sector have a higher level of stress and influence the people at large. We, as a society, also anxiety compared to those in the manufacturing appreciate the extreme talent, whether it is in sector. The service industry in this study comprises olympics, the corporate world, or any other area, of IT, ITES and consultancy organizations. The logic and try to draw a parallel into our lives. Hewlett,et could be that in India, the service sector has seen a al. (2006), in their study, found that corporate major push as compared to the traditional executives found a similarity in adventure sports manufacturing sector. Among other important and their jobs; the extraordinary time demands and factors, the rise in the service sector is also due to relentless pressure pushed them to their limits both tough working hours and demanding work culture. physically and mentally. Secondly, there was the Research shows that professionals from the service allure of the job. Hence, in a culture where such sector often suffer from burnout due to highly extremes are promoted, it is not surprising that such demanding and stressful job conditions intense jobs are not seen as exploitative but rather (Singh,2000; Rod & Ashill, 2009; Kanwar, Sing & as desirable, glamorous and virtuous. It may be then Kodwani, 2009). Secondly, marital status and age understood that executives might enjoy extended level also make a difference in terms of perceiving travelling, fast pace working and excessive high stress and anxiety. Unmarried employees as responsibilities as they get an opportunity to test well as employees from the younger age group have themselves to the limits and showcase their talent to more stress and anxiety compared to married ones. others. They do not find it stressful, especially when It's possible that at the earlier stages of life, career effects are not seen in terms of deterioration in ambitions and expectations are very high, and health. individuals are not satisfied easily. Research has indicated that older adults are better able to If executives are uncomplaining about extreme regulate their moods and display a higher level of demanding jobs and organizations are happy, is it emotional intelligence (Chapman & Hayslip, 2006; alright to convey that there is a problem? Arguably, Ng Thomas & Feldman 2008). Marital status, in a the trend towards extreme is a boon to way, brings support and steadiness to personal lives competitiveness. of people, thus uncertainty about the future and Yet, there is evidence that individual career growth among the young and unmarried employees. high expectations may increase the stress level may go up, and materialistic gains may be very high, but it has led to poor work-life balance and burnout. (Srivastava,2011;Hewlett, 2006). Excessive Workaholism research and the global world competition results into de-growth. The Research shows that the phenomenon of a organization may gain by having competitive yet demanding job, stress and workaholism is spread positive values, but too much pressure on the job across the globe and impacts working profesionals. will yield an adverse effect. The finding gets support A study of Turkish managers and professionals by from a study by Srivastava & Sinha (2009), wherein Burke. R.J.& Koksal, H (2002), found the existence of a supportive organizational climate and conducive w o r k a h o l i c b e h av i o u r p a t t e r n w i t h i t s working conditions are found to be related to consequences. Australian female managers and managerial effectiveness. professionals were studied for workaholism and its Industry-wise analysis shows that employees in the 2006). Findings showed that workaholism consequences ( Burke, R.J., Burgess, Z and Fallon, 110 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai components generally had significant relationships imbalance have also been researched upon with with the validating job behaviors, work outcomes reference to gender at the national and cross- and indicators of psychological well-being, but not national level. Aziz, S. & Cunnigham, J. (2008) with extra-work satisfaction. Their findings explored the issue at the national level in the US with provided a partial replication of previous a conclusions based primarily on male samples. In an between male and female workaholics in relation to purpose to examine potential differences another research by Burke, R.J., Richardsen, A.M. work stress and work-life imbalance. Findings and Mortinussen, M. (2004), workaholism among showed that work stress and work-life imbalance Norwegian managers and their well-being correlated with workaholism, regardless of gender. outcomes were studied. The study examined the Gender did not moderate the relations between relationship of three workaholism components workaholism with work stress and work-life proposed by Spence and Robbins (1992), and imbalance. several work and psychological well-being outcomes using hierarchical regression analysis. Snir, R and Harpaz, I (2006) examined workaholism Data was collected from 171 construction company from a cross-national perspective through owners and senior managers in Norway using representative samples of the labor force in questionnaires. Work enjoyment was found to be Belgium, Israel, Japan, The Netherlands, and the positively related with work outcomes. Work USA. Their findings showed that the Japanese enjoyment was also generally positively related worked more hours per week than all other with psychological well-being while feeling driven nationalities. The following findings have remained to work was generally negatively related with stable across nations: respondents with a high level psychological well-being. In an another study on of work centrality worked more hours per week motivational orientation and well-being at work, than those with a low level of work centrality. Men researchers (Salmela-Aro, K. and Nurmi, J.E, 2004) worked more hours per week than women. Married studied a person-oriented view to examine what women worked fewer hours per week than kind of motivational orientation employees have, unmarried women, while married men worked and how they contribute to their well-being. Two more hours per week than unmarried men. Private- separate studies were carried out. A total of 286 sector employees worked more hours per week white-collar workers employed in a public sector than public-sector employees. educational institution in a middle-sized town in Central Finland participated in the first study (116 Kanai, a., & Wakabayashi (2004) studied the effect of men and 170 women). Analysis of the results found economic environmental change on job demand four motivational orientations, work-, self-, hobby- and workaholism in Japan. Results of the analysis and health-orientations among the employees. The indicated that the driven component of work-orientation was related to burnout and low workaholism remained high from the beginning of working ability, the self-orientation was related to the 1990s when the bubble economy collapsed, and depression and burnout, and the hobby- and health- throughout the 1990s. However, the enjoyment of orientations were related to high-life satisfaction. work component has decreased for this period, Study 2, conducted among 186 IT workers causing the workaholic tendencies to be more replicated the main results. serious in the worsening economic and employment circumstances. Moreover, the level of Issues of work stress, workaholism and work-life ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 work overload actually increased for engineers and Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai 111 workers in their 30s and 40s in the middle of the economic depression. culture. Training should be given to them for strategies to cope with stress. Employees in the service industry especially seem to be facing more Implications of the research stress and anxiety. Organizations in the service The results of this exploratory study provide some sector need to reassess the nature of the job, the interesting insights into the variables that relate to working conditions and work values promoted employees' perception of stress and, at the same within the culture. Again at the individual level, time, suggest avenues for future research. Though developing skills to cope with stress and relaxation the sampling was purposive and drawn from techniques may be an important step towards organizations located in Mumbai, it is noteworthy reducing stress, and therefore depression and that Mumbai, being a metropolitan city and financial anxiety levels. capital of India, attracts people from all parts of the world. The sample of the study had work experience Contribution and limitations of research not only in Mumbai but at various other Indian cities Towards the end, it is recapitulated that as well as different parts of the world. Therefore, it is contribution of this study is towards (a) identifying assumed that findings of the research are not just the various underlying dimensions of workaholism, restricted to professionals working in Mumbai, but work values and job demands. (b) Identifying the also to other Indian professionals working in relationship among predictors and outcome similar conditions. variables. (c) Finding out the difference in stress and anxiety of professionals with respect to their age There is not much empirical research on group, marital status and the type of industry they workaholism and its impact on industry for the worked for. Indian business environment. It is just emerging, though the issue of work-life balance has been taken The work is valued for its originality and for up widely by Indian researchers. There is a need to examining an important phenomenon in the context understand the phenomena of workaholism in of present realities especially in the Indian more depth. Future research may look into the environment. The research attempts to understand antecedents and consequences of workaholism. the working conditions and workaholism along Another area of concern is understanding the with the changing social milieu in our society. mindset of the current generation with respect to their choice of job. The research highlights the There are several limitations of this research. The positive orientation of executives towards certain results need to be treated with caution as types of extreme jobs as they do not relate it to their generalization is limited due to purposive sampling. anxiety and stress. It is worthy to make note of This study did not include professionals belonging cognitive-emotional power of job goals and to the lower level of management thus losing out on expectations of executives. a significant part of the working population. The study was based upon the authors' own assessment. Since it is already proven that workaholic behaviour The study has a scope of verifying the data from is detrimental to mental and physical health and family, friends and co-workers. A longitudinal study that work values promoting fast growth and would facilitate more accurate measurement of competition lead to stress, organizations need to workaholism and its co-relates. help their employees by avoiding a demanding work 112 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai References • Anonymous (2007). High Pressure Jobs Linked to Depression and Anxiety. 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Occupational Health: Third Report, WHO Technical Report Series, No. 135, WHO, Geneva, 1950. • World Health Organization (1985). Targets for Health for All. Targets in Support of the European Regional Strategy for Health for All WHO, Copenhagen. Dr. Manjari Srivastava is an associate professor in the School of Business Management at NMIMS university. Her research and teaching interests are in the areas of organization behavior, theory and development, and human resources. Dr. Srivastava got her Ph.D from IIT Kharagpur. 116 ISSN: 0971-1023 NMIMS Management Review Volume XXII August 2012 Stress, Workaholism and Job Demands: A study of executives in Mumbai