Administrators' mechanisms for combating occupational stress: Towards enhancing principals job effectiveness in Secondary Schools in Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated effective mechanisms that could be adopted by principals to combat occupational stress in order to enhance their  job effectiveness. Correlational research design was adopted for the study. One research question was raised and two hypotheses formulated to guide the study. The population of the study comprised the 46 principals of the 46 secondary schools in Calabar Education  Zone of Cross River State. The 46 principals formed the sample of the study because the number was manageable. Data for the study was  collected using a 45 item researchers` designed questionnaire titled “combating occupational stress for enhancement of principals'  job effectiveness questionnaire (COSEPJEQ)”with0.82 using the Cronbach Alpha.Descriptive statistics (means and standard decision), t- test and multiple regression statistics were used for data analysis. The results revealed 8 effective mechanisms that could be adopted by  principals in combating occupational stress. Also, male and female principals did not significantly differ in their opinion on the  mechanisms that could be adopted by principals in combating occupational stress. Furthermore, the results also revealed that combating  occupational stress through proper time management, scheduling of duties delegation of duties, maintenance of conducive  work environment, maintenance of positive school climate, use of modern ICT facilities, regular health checks and vacationing will  enhance principles job effectiveness. It was recommended among others that government should endeavour to provide all necessary  facilities and physical resources needed by principles in public secondary schools.