Status differences in interpersonal strain and job resources at work

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to explore how status differences relate to strained working relationships with co-workers and clients. Two statuses, gender and occupation, are examined using data from veterinarians and animal health technologists (AHTs). Competing perspectives regarding exposure to stressful relationships and access and effectiveness of work-related resources are considered. Design/methodology/approach An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design is used that combines quantitative survey data with open-ended qualitative data. The survey data are used to examine how interpersonal strain and access to work-related resources vary by status. The qualitative data are used to illustrate how strain is experienced by these workers and aids in interpreting the quantitative findings. Findings Status is linked to interpersonal client strain and access to resources. Challenging work is widely available to all three groups, but is more beneficial in reducing higher status veterinarians’ client strain. Autonomy is a scarce resource for the lowest status group (female AHTs), yet appears effective in reducing co-worker strain for everyone. Unexpectedly, work overload and market concerns appear to aggravate work-related strain and greater numbers of the lowest status group exacerbates interpersonal tensions with clients. Originality/value This paper contributes by examining stressful interactions experienced by two occupations who work side-by-side in the same employment settings, but who vary significantly by gender representation and occupational status. The authors argue that in addition to gender and occupational status, the organizational health of employing clinics and the feminization of veterinary practice may offer insights into how status differences are related to interpersonal conflict experienced in these work places.

Frequency, Stressfulness and Type of Ethically Challenging Situations Encountered by Veterinary Team Members During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Job control may increase stress if, as we have seen in the context of a global pandemic, veterinary team members struggle with an overwhelming workload or demanding clients -situations which may be beyond their control (53). Perceived autonomy levels also differ among veterinary team members (54). The degree to which autonomy varied among different cohorts of respondents to the current survey will be discussed in a subsequent paper.…”

Veterinary Technicians and Occupational Burnout

“…Having control over one's schedule may be particularly important for members of this occupation for two reasons. One is that veterinary technicians are an occupational group that generally has little autonomy and discretion over other aspects of their work as their primary function is to assist and follow instructions from veterinarians in performing patient care and technical tasks (31). Job control has a long history in the stress and burnout literature where it is argued that discretion over one's work can make achieving work goals more predictable and reduce anxiety associated with feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about work demands (48).…”

“…Fourth, respect from colleagues reduces emotional exhaustion and cynicism. In veterinary practice, veterinary technicians can be considered as lower-status workers who generally work in a supportive role to the higher-status occupation of veterinary professionals (31). Managers, supervisors and colleagues can provide positive feedback, support and respect one another in dealing with difficult client and animal situations and in doing so, can alleviate feelings of strain and burnout (50).…”

“…Veterinary professionals' high rates of stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion (31) are especially alarming given the fact that male veterinarians' suicide rates are 2.1 times as high and female veterinarians are 3.5 times as high as the general U.S. population (32). They are also more likely to die from suicide than other health care professionals (33).…”

Risk Factors Associated With Increased Ethically Challenging Situations Encountered by Veterinary Team Members During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In a study of Canadian veterinarians ( n = 537) and animal health technicians ( n = 453), autonomy was effective in reducing co-worker strain, but was less common in female animal health technicians, the lowest status team members ( 19 ). We speculated that low autonomy would be associated with an increase in ECS encountered, however this was not supported in our final multivariable model.…”