Business & Management Studies

Abstract

This paper points out the implications of job-related stress for turnover intention and absenteeism in the Cameroon’s Microfinance sector. It uses structured questionnaires in collecting primary data from employees of Microfinance institutions. The Chi-Square model is used to test the relationship between job-related stress, turnover intention and absenteeism. The study finds that the type of stress experienced by employees depends on the category of the Microfinance Institution (MFI). Acute stress is more widespread among Category One Microfinance workers than among Category Two Microfinance workers and episodic acute stress is more widespread among Category Two Microfinance workers than among Category One Microfinance workers. Also, the study reveals that chronic stress is experienced at very low levels within both categories. For the correlation analyses, at a 95% confidence level, our results indicate that there is a significant relationship between job stress and turnover intention as well as absenteeism. In this regard, we propose that employees should be keen to recognise the signs of stress, and employers should be conscious of the negative impact that stress has on employees’ health and performance and hence on the profits of the organisation. Moreover, handling dysfunctional stress can be a strategy for managers in every Microfinance institution to retain talented employees who respect organisational ethics and are committed towards achieving the goals of the institution.