The Mediating Role of Employee Commitment: Relationship between Job Stress and Employee Performance of Selected Plastic Manufacturing Firms in South East, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the mediating role of employee commitment in the relationship between job stress and employee performance in plastic manufacturing firms in South East Nigeria. The research aims to understand how job stress factors—such as job burnout, work overload, and role ambiguity—impact employee performance, and how employee commitment can influence these dynamics. The study is motivated by high employee turnover rates in the targeted businesses, potentially linked to job stress. Using a correlation survey design, the research sampled 304 employees from seven selected plastic manufacturing companies. The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between job stress factors and employee performance, highlighting that increased job stress leads to decreased performance. The study concludes that strengthening employee commitment can mitigate the negative effects of job stress on performance. The research suggests that management should implement policies to reduce job stress, such as appropriate leave and regular reviews of job schedules, to foster a healthier and more productive workforce. These findings underscore the importance of employee commitment as a strategic tool for improving performance in high-stress work environments.