Stress among managers: the importance of dynamic tasks, predictability, and social support in unpredictable times

In this field study, we examined the importance of dynamic tasks as stressors faced by managers. Predictability of a task and social support by managers' supervisors were considered as potential moderators of the interrelation between stressors and stress effects. A total of 142 managers (64 women, 78 men) from 46 German companies took part in our study. As expected, the more tasks were perceived as dynamic, the higher was the irritation level. This correlation was significant, but low as could be expected when choosing a single predictor to explain the level of irritation. Dynamic tasks and predictability were unrelated features of the work task. Predictability of a task had a moderating effect in that the interrelation between dynamic tasks and irritation was stronger when predictability was low. When managers perceived low support from their supervisors, the interrelation between dynamic tasks and irritation was stronger as well. We were able to evaluate the specific demands of managers in a rapidly changing environment. Our results demonstrated that dynamic tasks do not necessarily lead to impaired health. Managers' supervisors can play an important role by reflecting on how to impose change for the managers.