Examining the frustration-aggression model among Tunisian Blue-Collar Workers

Narjes Sassi, Assâad El Akremi () and Christian Vandenberghe
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Narjes Sassi: Management Department, Institut Supérieur de Gestion de Paris, Paris, France
Assâad El Akremi: CRM - Centre de Recherche en Management - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - UT - Université de Toulouse - IAE - Institut d'Administration des Entreprises - Toulouse - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Christian Vandenberghe: HEC Montréal - HEC Montréal

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Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the links between work stressors, perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, and workplace aggression, using the traits of negative affectivity and external locus of control as individual moderators. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using a survey questionnaire among 477 blue-collar workers from a Tunisian manufacturing company. Findings – Results indicate that perceived stress mediates a positive relationship between work stressors (quantitative workload, role ambiguity, and interpersonal conflicts) and emotional exhaustion. Moreover, the relationship between quantitative workload and interpersonal conflicts and perceived stress is stronger among individuals with high levels of negative affectivity. Similarly, the relationship between quantitative workload and perceived stress is stronger at high levels of external locus of control. Finally, emotional exhaustion mediates a positive relationship between perceived stress and interpersonal and organizational aggression. Practical implications – The findings suggest that Tunisian organizations may reduce perceived stress and aggressive behavior among blue-collar workers through reducing quantitative workload, role ambiguity, and interpersonal conflicts. Moreover, specific training programs, job redesign, and formal mentorship that provide employees with improved social skills can also be recommended as soon as early signs of frustration or intentions to misbehave appear. Finally, leadership development practices may help supervisors better manage workplace stressors and reduce the occurrence of workplace aggression. Originality/value – The current study is an initial attempt to look at an integrated model of stress and aggression among blue-collar workers in Tunisia. While some of the findings are consistent with the literature, others might reflect the unique aspects of the Tunisian culture

Keywords: "Stress"; "Emotional exhaustion"; "Locus of control"; "Negative affectivity"; "Work stressors"; "Workplace aggression" (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Published in Journal of Managerial Psychology, 2015, 30 (3), pp.336-353. ⟨10.1108/JMP-06-2013-0192⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-01263403

DOI: 10.1108/JMP-06-2013-0192

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