The development of a work‐life fit model: a demands and resources approach
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business
ISSN: 1753-8378
Article publication date: 6 September 2013
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to summarize the scope, methodology and main findings of a doctoral thesis about the demand‐resource experience of workers in the Australian construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed methods approach was used to explore workers’ experience of demands and resources, which incorporated Q Methodology and survey research. The research was embedded within a constructivist epistemology, and Q Methodology was used to explore the subjective experience of demands. Survey research was used to explore resources, and individual characteristics and preferences of workers.
Findings
The research suggests that Australian construction workers can be classified into four broad groups according to their work, family and community demand profiles. Results indicate that the construction workforce is not a homogeneous workforce. Instead, the demands and resources associated with each of the four groups emphasises the heterogeneous nature of the construction workforce.
Research limitations/implications
Extension of the work‐life fit model recognises the subjective nature of experience, and introduces a new methodology to both the work‐life and construction management domains.
Practical implications
An understanding of the demands and resources of workers will better enable organizations to support effective role performance of a dynamic workforce.
Originality/value
The findings of the research form the basis of a new work‐life fit model which applies a demands‐resources approach.
Keywords
Citation
Turner, M. (2013), "The development of a work‐life fit model: a demands and resources approach", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 6 No. 4, pp. 792-801. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-04-2013-0016
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited