工作壓力之歷程：理論與研究的對話

The Process of Work Stress: A Dialogue between Theory and Research

在這篇論文中，筆者從分析壓力的意涵著手，進一步探討工作壓力的概念、測量和研究，從而以工作壓力是一個人的、主觀的、動態的歷程為立論起點，提出一個多元的工作壓力模式，涵括潛在的工作壓力來源、壓力過程中的個別差異，及工作壓力的後果三大部份。在此理論架構導引之下，筆者將引用實徵研究的資料，具體分析：（1）大型組織員工VS小企業及自營業者的工作壓力來源；（2）個人內在心理資源VS個人外在的社會資源在壓力過程中的調節或中介作用；（3）個人VS組織的工作壓力後果。經由理論與研究的對話，一方面檢討並釐清西方工作壓力理論及研究結果中的「預設前提」，在批判「移植型研究」的侷限性之餘，更能反省本土組織行為，特別是工作壓力歷程的文化特性。另一方面，筆者希望本文所提出的理論架構、實徵研究及批判反思，皆能有助於個人和組織對工作壓力更深入的瞭解，並能為壓力管理的實務提供參考。

In this paper, various definitions of stress are first explored, followed by a discussion of the conceptualization, measurement and research of work stress. A multi-faceted integrative model is then proposed, viewing work stress as a personal, subjective, and dynamic process, including potential sources of stress, factors of individual differences, and possible consequences. Guided by this theoretical framework, and aided by a series of empirical studies, three major issues are explored in more details: (1) potential sources of work stress for those working for large structured organizations vis-a-vis small family based enterprises; (2) moderating or mediating effects of internal resources vis-a-vis external resources; and (3) consequences of work stress for the individual vis-a-vis the organization. Through this dialogue of theory and research, ''hidden assumptions'' in the Western theories and research of work stress are clarified and deliberated upon. Going beyond criticizing ''transplant research'', characteristics of indigenous organizational behaviours, especially cultural imprints on the work stress process, are reflected upon and incorporated within empirical research. Finally, it is hoped that the theoretical framework, the empirical research, and the critical reflections will all help individuals and organizations alike to further understandings of the work stress process, and provide references for practical stress management.