The causes and effects of work stress in construction project managers : the case in Sri Lanka

This study aims to identify the critical stressors causing work stress with their effects on the performance of construction project managers (CPMs). The study was conducted in northern and eastern Sri Lanka where a significant rise in construction works was observed with the end of the ethnic war. Primary data were collected through conducting a survey of CPMs who work in a variety of construction entities and the data was statistically analysed. The findings reveal key sources of stress related to tasks, organizational settings, physical conditions and personal situations. Although general studies show that stress at a certain level is favourable and positively affects performance, in the studied context, a negative impact on task, interpersonal and organizational performance was found due to the high level of stress encountered by CPMs. Several recommendations are offered for practitioners to cope with high level of stress.