Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
Ronald Black
Abstract
The idea that business leaders experience stress in the workplace has resulted in a demand for understanding the negative impact stress has on business. Business managers in for-profit higher education lack strategies to reduce employee workplace stress. Grounded in the job demands-resources model, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore how business managers in for-profit higher education in Arizona reduce employee workplace stress. The participants comprised of three business leaders at a for-profit higher education institution in Arizona who have successfully implemented strategies to reduce employee workplace stress. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with three participants via Zoom and a review of company human resource documents on the company website. An inductive approach was applied to analyze the data. Three themes emerged: provide flexible support resources during times of change, establish effective communication, and recognize barriers that need to be addressed to support employees. A key recommendation to mitigate workplace stress is for business leaders in for-profit higher education to develop resources applicable across their university system that account for unanticipated changes in the industry that may affect business growth and student support. The implications for positive social change include the potential to improve employees’ health and happiness in the workplace and at home, which may result in lower health care costs for families and the generation of more income and community involvement as individuals live happier and healthier lives.
Recommended Citation
Woods, Erin Kendall, "Effective Workplace Stress Reduction Strategies in For-Profit Higher Education" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13918.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13918
