The Coping Behavior of People - Essay Example

The article studies the role of self-efficacy in meeting workplace challenges like conflict situations, overloading of work, role conflict, etc. It is quantitative research for validating the social cognitive theory of self-efficacy. The study was conducted under the pre-defined hypothesis that professional self-efficacy is intrinsically linked to coping behavior and job demand. The higher is the self-efficacy, the greater is the ability to cope with job demands. The variables used were work overload and role conflict, professional self-efficacy, and two types of coping behavior vis-à-vis active and passive behavior. The dependent variable was coping behavior that was evaluated against the independent variables like professional self-efficacy, gender, age, role conflict, and work overload. Work overload and role conflict were key stressors that helped to evaluate and analyze the moderating role of professional self-efficacy.

            The methodology was based on the fact that the data sought can be quantified and which can be applied to a large number of people. It is the most significant feature of the current research as it can be applied generally. Participants included 625 employees from different companies cutting across a wide range of socio-economic demography and occupation. 51% male and 49% female representation in the sample enabled to reduce gender biases and the wide spectrum of demographic representation hugely facilitated the validity of the study. The measurement technique adopted was in the form of a self-report questionnaire which was used to collect data.

            Hierarchal multiple regression analysis was used separately with two dependent variables and hypotheses were successfully tested when independent variables were introduced within the statistical analysis. Large sample sizes across broad demographic segments helped to validate that professional self-efficacy was a vital ingredient of positive coping behavior. Indeed, the cognitive social theory of professional self-efficacy significantly helped to identify the extent of its effect on the coping behavior of the participants. The study has successfully demonstrated that self-efficacy is the vital factor that considerably enhances the capabilities of workers to cope with job demands with a high degree of success.

Reason for interest

            The study has evoked huge interest because it gives insight into the various factors that test human abilities to cope with challenging situations. It especially is pertinent the n workplace environment where it adversely the pacts performance of individuating also and productivity of the organization in general. The study has shown that professional self-efficacy or the professional skills and capabilities of the workers are major enabling elements that inculcate confidence in workers to cope successfully with new challenges. Thus professionally qualified employees are better able to cope with job demands. Most pertinently, it strongly indicates that professionals thrive on challenges because they look at them as opportunities for growth rather than as detrimental factors. Thus, the study greatly serves as motivation for organizations to facilitate a constant learning environment for their workforce and encourage personal and professional development so that they are better equipped for changes.

How it benefits the field of psychology

The study is highly relevant in the contemporary environment of competition and emerging new challenges of advancing technology and rapid globalization. It contributes significantly to the field of psychology by identifying and understanding the factors that help the workforce to meet stressful situations with a more positive attitude and confidence. Psychological well-being is an important part of the work paradigm that considerably influences the productive outcome of individuals and thereby, the performance of the organizations. It gives new perspectives to self-efficacy and its role as moderators or in a work environment where job demands often lead to psychological problems like stress, low confidence, and low esteem. It defines the emerging importance of self-efficacy in the work arena that necessitates the development of new mechanisms within organizations so that the workforce can adjust to changes and cope successfully with changing demands of the job. The study has highlighted crucial factors that can significantly reduce the stress of the workers and help them to cope with job demands with a higher degree of self-confidence. Indeed, it gives credibility to human competencies that can be developed and nurtured within organizations for higher work performance.