Stress and coping

a study of project managers in a large ICT organization

Article Complexity, Leadership December 2006

Project Management Journal

Richmond, Arin | Skitmore, Martin

How to cite this article:

Richmond, A. & Skitmore, M. (2006). Stress and coping: a study of project managers in a large ICT organization. Project Management Journal, 37(5), 5–16.
The extraordinary demands of implementing complex information technology (IT) projects generate a great deal of stress. And although the literature has discussed the impact that this stress has on project performance, few studies have identified the factors causing such stress. This article examines the factors causing such stress and recommends coping strategies that IT professionals can use to more easily perform their responsibilities when under stress. In doing so, it overviews the impact that excessive stress has on organizations and industries; it reviews the literature on dealing with stress while managing IT projects. It then extends Gallstedt's research on the stress experienced by IT project managers to identify stress sources, coping strategies, and subsequent outcomes, as noted from studying 12 IT project managers working within an Australian ICT organization. It outlines the study's three-part methodology and explains the interview results.
member content locked

Become a PMI member to gain access

or Join

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Content

  • Article Change Management, Risk Management, Complexity, Organizational Culture, Lessons Learned, Leadership, Resource Management 1 August 2017

    Project Management Journal

    The Role Of Co-Creation In Enhancing Explorative And Exploitative Learning In Project-Based Settings member content locked

    By Eriksson, Per Erik | Leiringer, Roine | Szentes, Henrik We study how co-creation practices influence explorative and exploitative learning in five collaborative construction projects with partnering arrangements. Drawing on a longitudinal case study, our…

  • Article Innovation, Complexity, Organizational Culture, Leadership 1 May 2017

    PM Network

    Disruption and Hope member content open

    By Boden, Jessica Graphical presentation of viewpoints of CEOs regarding automation, digitalization, and globalization.

  • Article Complexity, Strategy, Portfolio Management, Program Management, Leadership 1 March 2017

    PM Network

    The Power to Adapt member content open

    Emerging markets are full of opportunities—if organizations can mitigate all the risks. For EDS USA LLC, the biggest challenge to developing renewable energy projects in West Africa is managing…

  • Conference Paper Risk Management, Complexity, Leadership 13 May 2016

    Leading High-Risk Projects member content open

    By Avery, Grant Complexity and risks are a growing challenge for project managers globally. The failure rate of complex projects is high. This paper explains what servant leadership is, exploring its origins and…

  • Conference Paper Complexity, Sustainability, Leadership 13 May 2016

    Managing Turbulence in Project Environments member content open

    By Cimino, Roberto Managing complexity and turbulence is a key issue project managers have to face in their everyday activity: dealing with change and external shocks is becoming the rule. Ecosystems are…

Advertisement