Stress and Crisis Management

Briefly discuss any TWO possible causes of stress in the business environment.

Answer explanation

Any of the following:

External:

- physical threats

- uncertain situations (Covid)

- confrontations with co-workers or employers/employees

Internal :

- Personality traits

- Perception of events

- Self-imposed limits (e.g. meeting a certain sales deadline)

Which of the following is NOT a short-term stress management technique?

• Good nutrition.

• Building relationships.

• Learning to say 'No'.

• Considering your perception of situations.

Which of the following is considered a long-term stress management technique?

• Showing random acts of kindness.

• Speaking to somebody about the problem.

• Developing a reliable support system.

• Making use of diversion techniques (e.g. watching a movie).

Discuss how building short-term management techniques into your daily routine would be considered a long-term strategy?

Answer explanation

Marking guideline:

Students need to acknowledge that by using a daily routine they will set up a system for deaing with stress on a frequent basis over a prolonged period making it an effective long-term strategy.

Student's answer may differ. Must be relevant and contextual.

As an employer how you could deal with the post-crisis of a small fire that happened in the company building? Select the most applicable technique.

• Develop and teach coping skills to employees.

• Ensure contingency plans for preventing future occurrences.

• Provide counselling to distraught employees.

• Moving to a new building lot.

Discuss an important element of maintaining control in a crisis.

Answer explanation

Communication is important as it requires the gathering of factual and accurate information about the situation in order to deal with it effectively.