1. 5. Research Methodology:
 Review of literature and theory on gender
difference and stress, HRM, Maltese and
UK’s manufacturing sector.
 Comparative case study approach carried
out in two whirlpool components
manufacturing companies.
 Questionnaires distributed to all
employees in both companies.
 In-depth / semi-structured interviews with
clerical and manual employees.
 Open format diaries will be distributed.
6. My Progress:
First year into my PhD research. Currently
working on Literature review.
1.Research Area:
An investigation of gender differences
amongst clerical and manual employees
in two manufacturing companies.
2. Problem:
 Stress is the 2nd most reported work related
health problem in Europe. It affects the health
and safety of individuals, but also the health of
organizations.
 There has been limited research on the issue of
gender difference and stress in manufacturing
companies concerning clerical and manual
employees.
 Are the factors that predict stress different for
men and women and what shapes these?
 Do men and women have different coping styles?
3. Aims of the Research:
This research will examine which stress variables
have greater negative effect on men and women.
This investigation will be carried out in two
whirlpool components manufacturing companies
based in Malta and the UK.
4. Study will Explore:
1. What are stressors in the companies and
whether combinations of stressors impact upon
workers differently according to gender?
2. The study will identify the perceptions of stress
and investigate different coping styles by gender.
3. The study will explore the factors that
contribute to work related stress including
organizational size and gender divisions, work life
balance and working conditions.
Figure 1 : A drop in stress levels was observed in old
member states countries, EU 15. UK is the country with
lowest level of stress
Figure 2: Stress levels in the new member states (EU 10)
is markedly higher. Malta saw an increase of 12% in work
related stress.
Work Related Stress
Karina Golovko