Studies in Management of Stress among Police Personnel in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The nature of police work makes police officers vulnerable to physical and psychological health issues. Recognizing stress and its causes is essential to develop remedial measures. The aim of this research was to identify factors causing stress among police personnel in the UAE, and suggest possible stress reduction strategies. The study used a quantitative methodology with positivism research philosophy. To fulfill the research objectives, three methods were used. The first was a survey in which a questionnaire was administered to the respondents, the second involved Interpretive Structural Modeling and the third an Analytic Network Process. The survey examined factors causing stress among police officers in the UAE, and found both operational and organizational stressors. The results also indicated significant differences in stress based on gender, marital status, educational level, rank and designation. The Interpretive Structural Modeling approach was used to develop a hierarchy-based model for operational and organizational stressors. The results showed that a heavy workload, lack of autonomy and upholding a particular social or public image were the key drivers of operational stress. Inconsistent leadership and bureaucracy were the key drivers of organizational stress. Finally, an Analytic Network Process model was developed to select a suitable stress reduction strategy. A social support strategy was the most effective stress reduction strategy, rather than a human resource, environmental or problem-solving strategy. The findings will help police organizations in the UAE to formulate suitable strategies to minimize stress and retain talented police personnel.