System dynamic framework for analyzing organizational stress : United States Postal Service case study

Abstract

Stress, both individual and organizational, appears to be an increasing problem in any society, and more so in organizations. It already is taking a significant toll on corporate and national levels. Slow recovering economy and pressures on bottom lines, especially for financially constrained organizations, further emphasize the problem and call for new solutions. This paper explores two aspects of stress - individual and organizational. Our goal was to provide a systems dynamic framework that organizations, as well as individuals, can use to improve the understanding of the physiological and psychological stress loads, as well as understand their relationship to organizational key performance indicators. Like many natural systems, human body is the ultimate limited system. The main benefit of the proposed framework will be the ability to monitor cumulative variables of the functional capacity of human body to process stressors, and the mental and emotional capacity of employees to carry out their duties.