Determinants Of Occupational Stress In Container Port Industry – An Application Of Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Abstract

Background: The effects of globalization may be seen in every facet of human existence, including the ways in which employment and organisations are carried out. These changes not only cause strain and stress on people working for corporate organisations, but they also do so for those working in port container terminals. In spite of stringent regulations and a lot of attention being directed towards reducing risks in the physical environment, the port industry's attempts continue to be associated with accidents, injuries, and illnesses despite the fact that there is a lack of information and a focus on psychosocial factors. The relationship between the occupational stress level (OSL) and its risk factors was assessed using a sample of 304 port workers in Malaysia.

Method: The Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) was administered in its Malay-validated form. IBM SPSS Amos Version 26.0 was used to conduct a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis to examine the model's structural linkages.

Result: The result score for occupational stress level among port workers was significant, with a P-value less than 0.05. The SEM analysis used a multivariate technique that combines aspect component analysis and regression, and simultaneously examines the interrelationships between latent constructs. The analysis results indicates an excellent good fit of the data to the predicted model. The social support component accounted for 32% of the variations in OSL. Task, recognition, exposure, company culture, and customer response were associated positively with occupational stress.

Conclusion: Workers at ports are exposed to numerous risk variables that could cause occupational stress, which is determined by the structural equation modelling approach.