Factors That Influence Job Stress among Foreign Construction Site Workers in Malaysia

Abstract

This study’s goal is to address factors that cause major stress scenarios and identify the factors that cause such a dilemma among foreign workers. These issues stem from three different variables that contribute to stress, which include job characteristics (job demand, job control and job support) workload and reward. To affirm and verify the said variables, a quantitative research approach is implemented based on participants from the construction site. The sampling frame was for foreign workers from different levels and positions in a selected construction site in Klang Valley. This study was based on 100 samples of foreign workers selected using the snowballing method. Results indicate a significant relationship between job factors (job demand, job control and job support) on the job stress of foreign workers at the construction site. Results also show a significant relationship between workload and job stress and no relationship was found between reward and job stress. This study discussed the results from the psychological, and human resource perspectives, as well as their implications for human resource management. The findings can be used to guide the progress of policies and programs that can navigate the negative effects of employees’ stress. The present study was done to further combine and explore whether the main initial factors influencing stress in Malaysia are still applicable in the context of foreign workers in the construction industry. Up until now, there has been only scarce research on the combination of the discussed factors on stress.