Stress has become one of the most significant problems due to dynamic social factor and changing needs of lifestyles. The work stress is found in all professions. IT professionals especially software engineers are very stressed because they are highly target driven and highly pressured on results. According to Uma Devi, “Athletes experience the strength that comes from eu-stress right before they play a big game or enter a big competition. Because of eu-stress, they suddenly receive the strength that is required to perform to the best of the ability. “(Uma Devi) Stress can make a person productive and constructive when it is identified and well managed.
The relationship between stress and performance is an inverted U-shaped curve with peak performance occurring at the optimum stress point. The optimum stress point is evidenced by optimum stress indicators. When a person’s stress level is at the optimum stress point these indicators are present. According to Sarah and Howard, “Optimum stress indicators include accurate judgement, composure during a crisis, high energy, high morale, high motivation, improved memory and recall, interpersonal competence, mental alertness, optimistic outlook, sharp perception, thorough analysis of problems, and the ability to work long hours without tiring.” (Sarah, Howard) Thus, people working at their optimum stress point can perform at their highest potential for quality and productivity. Therefore, stress management becomes more and more important to help people to performance well.
Something that is stressful for one individual may not be stressful for others. Each individual has a unique cultural and educational background along with a unique collection of personal interests, biases, values, skills and aptitudes. Some personalities are more stress prone than others. According to Cougar, “Personality factors include achievement needs, recognition needs, growth needs and social needs.” (Cougar) Cougar and Zawack found that computer professionals have high growth needs and Hackman 16 found that people with high growth needs perform best in jobs that have a high motivating potential. Therefore, it is important to find a great first job to the person’s growth need strength and motivating potential.
Word Cited:
Couger, J. Daniel and Robert A. Zawacki. Motivating and Managing Computer Personnel. New York: John Wiley, 1980.
Devi, U. (2011, October). A Study on Stress Management and Coping Strategies with Reference to IT Companies. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from http://www.gsmi-ijgb.com/Documents/V2 N2 JITED P03 -Uma Devi-Stress Management.pdf
SULLIVAN, S., & HILL, H. (n.d.). Software project stress versus quality and productivity. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from https://www.computer.org/csdl/proceedings/afips/1987/5094/00/50940199.pdf