Occupational stress among university administrators

The fit between the university administrator's motivational style and the type of job demands was analyzed as a contributing factor in developing occupational stress. Data were provided on a questionnaire by 575 deans, associate deans, and chair-persons. Three motivational styles and types of job demands were measured using instruments derived from Porter's motivational theory. Correlational data indicated that misfit was related to perceived work stress and the perception of poor coping ability. The perception of poor coping ability was correlated with stress-related illnesses. There was also an association between misfit and consideration to change jobs. The findings supported the person-environment fit model of occupational stress. Implications for controlling occupational stress among university administrators are included.