Sources of job stress, work engagement and career orientations of employees in a South African fi nancial institution

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between employees’ sources of job stress, work engagement and career orientations and how they diff er with respect to these variables in terms of socio-demographic contextual factors such as gender, race, employment status and age. A sample of 90 employees participated in this study, and a Sources of Job Stress Scale, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Career Orientations Inventory were administered. The results indicated a signifi cant relationship between the participants’ sources of job stress, levels of work engagement and career orientations. Signifi cant diff erences regarding these variables were also detected between males and females, blacks and whites, temporary and permanently employed participants and the various age groups. The fi ndings add new knowledge that may inform organisational wellness and career development practices.