Thematic analysis of the role of communication in job stress of petrochemical industry employees based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Job stress is one of the common problems in workplaces. This problem is more severe in the petrochemical industry, because working conditions are difficult, stressful, and sometimes dangerous. In such an environment, the way employees and managers communicate can increase or decrease stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of workplace communication in the job stress of petrochemical employees. The PRECEDE-PROCEED model was used for this purpose. METHODS: This research was conducted qualitatively. A total of 29 petrochemical employees participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and group discussions, and individuals were selected purposefully. After data collection, participants' statements were first examined freely, and then the results were categorized based on different parts of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. FINDINGS: Data analysis showed that workplace communication affects job stress in different ways. Several themes and subthemes were identified: some related to individual factors and the quality of communication, some to workplace conditions and communication facilities, and others to feedback and the type of relationships in the organization. Most participants believed that poor and inappropriate communication was one of the main reasons for increased psychological stress in the workplace. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that communication plays an important role in the experience of job stress among petrochemical workers. The use of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model helped to better and more clearly understand this issue. These findings can be useful for designing programs that help reduce stress and improve employee health.