28, May 2025
Balancing Power and Pressure: A Theoretical Framework for Stress in Leadership
Author(s): 1. Dr K Ushasri 2. Dr J Ramadevi
Authors Affiliations:
- Principal Government Degree College, Salur, Parvathipurammanyam District, Andhra Pradesh.
- Assistant Professor of Commerce, Smt NPS Government College for women(A), chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh.
Abstract
Keywords
Cite this Article/Paper as
References
Leadership is often perceived as a position of control and influence, but it simultaneously entails intense pressure, accountability, and emotional labour. This paper proposes a conceptual framework the Power-Pressure Stress Framework (PPSF) to understand how the interplay between power and pressure influences stress among leaders. Using a theoretical approach grounded in leadership and psychological literature, the study examines power as a potential buffer and pressure as a source of strain. The framework categorizes leadership stress into different zones based on the balance or imbalance between these forces. The paper concludes with practical, policy, and research implications aimed at promoting sustainable leadership practices
Leadership, Stress, Power Dynamics, Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Behaviour, Leadership Resilience
Dr K Ushasri , Dr J Ramadevi (2025); Balancing Power and Pressure: A Theoretical Framework for Stress in Leadership, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-11, Issue-5, Pp.90-98. Available on – https://www.ijirmf.com/
- Harms, P. D., Credé, M., Tynan, M., Leon, M. R., & Jeung, W. (2017). Leadership and stress: A meta-analytic review. The Leadership Quarterly, 28(1), 178–194.
- Bass, B. M., & Bass, R. (2008). The Bass Handbook of Leadership: Theory, Research, and Managerial Applications.
- Burns, J. M. (1978). This book introduces the concept of transformational leadership, emphasizing the role of leaders in inspiring and motivating followers, which can be both a source of stress and a mechanism for stress mitigation.
- Bass, B. M. (1985). Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations. Building on Burns’ work, Bass elaborates on transformational leadership and its impact on performance, providing insights into how leadership styles can influence stress levels within organizations
- Fiedler, F. E. (1989). Leadership and Effective Management.
- Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, Appraisal, and Coping. This psychological framework explains how individuals assess and cope with stress, which can be applied to understand how leaders perceive and respond to stressors in their roles.