A Chinese longitudinal study on work/family enrichment

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore reciprocal relationships between work/family resources, work/family enrichment (WFE), and work/family satisfaction in a Chinese society.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal design was adopted using a three‐wave panel sample. Data were obtained from 310 Taiwanese employees on three occasions, six months apart.

Findings

Results of cross‐lagged structural equation modeling analyses offered strong support for the hypothesized reciprocal relationships between the focal constructs. The authors found that while modeling WFE, work resources (supervisory support), WFE and job satisfaction were mutually related to one another over time. While modeling family‐to‐work enrichment (FWE), family resources (family support), FWE and family satisfaction were again mutually related to one another over time.

Originality/value

This is the first longitudinal study on WFE with a non‐Western sample. Basing upon the findings, the authors suggest that the common theoretical models postulating a linear causal chain of work/family antecedents→work/family interaction (WFI)→work/family consequences are inadequate. Instead it is recommended that more elaborate and recursive models including reciprocal relationships need to be formulated to better represent the dynamic and fluid nature of WFI processes.

Citation

Lu, L. (2011), "A Chinese longitudinal study on work/family enrichment", Career Development International, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 385-400. https://doi.org/10.1108/13620431111158797