Understanding stress management intervention success: A case study-based analysis of what works and why

This thesis investigates the process behind stress management interventions
(SMIs). This includes the design, implementation and evaluation of
interventions (both formative and summative), along with exploring the roles
of involved stakeholders. Although there exists a plethora of studies around
work-related stress across several disciplines, they are predominantly focused
on the effects of stress on individuals, organisations and society, highlighting
the various costs which are associated with it. However, studies on SMIs are
less common, particularly ones with detailed accounts of the SMI process. As
a result, this hinders our understanding of which SMIs work for whom in what
context (Biron, 2012), making it difficult for forthcoming studies to benefit
from the results.
A multiple case study research, of a higher education institute (Russell
University) and an Arm’s Length (ALMO) housing association (Bravo City
Homes), was conducted to address what the literature has neglected.
Specifically, it examined the various steps of the SMI process, highlighting the
key roles of the involved stakeholders, while contrasting the effects that context
had across two different sectors. This was done through forty semi-structured
interviews with relevant stakeholders from both organisations to gain
retrospective insight into the SMI processes, understand their role and what they
perceived it to be, and to evaluate what helped and hindered the success of SMIs.
It was found that giving each step of the research process sufficient attention
from each of the relevant stakeholders was key. The lack of communication
around who the relevant stakeholders were significantly hindered the
interventions. Managers, in particular, were found to be crucial to SMI success
by supporting the interventions and enhancing communication. Other
stakeholders whose roles were found to be vital were Human Resources and
trade unions, which have also been neglected in the literature.