A Qualitative study on Stress and Coping Experiences of Executives working in the Financial industry

Objectives The purpose of this study was to understand the stress and coping experiences of executives working in the financial industry. Methods For this purpose, data was collected through in-depth interviews with four executives, and analyzed using a narrative inquiry method that intensively explored the experiences of the participants by eliciting their vivid voices. Results As a result of the analysis, a total of 6 areas, 21 subcategories, and 55 meaning units were derived regarding executives' stress and coping experiences. The six areas are ‘Living with diverse and urgent stress’, ‘Responsibilities and limitations change as status rises’, ‘Wanting to be a leader who moves hearts’, ‘Wanting to become a person who helps employees do their jobs well’, ‘Having time to relieve stress away from work’, and ‘Feeling the meaning and joy of work as a person with a sense of ownership’. Conclusions This study analyzed and derived meaning from the experiences that make up the personal and social lives of executives in the financial industry. Based on the research results, the need to develop a counseling program to help executives in the financial industry cope with the stress they face, and the need for corporate education Suggestions were made for use and future qualitative and quantitative research on executive experience in various fields.