The Use of the Psychological Contract to Explain Work–Family Interference Among Highly Educated Employees

Abstract

The relationship between work and family has long been the subject of lively debate in the political, public, and academic arena. Employers in the hospitality industry should carefully consider the work–family balance of their employees because maintaining a good balance will result in lower costs, lower sick rates, and lower staff turnover. The term “balance” refers to the way in which work interferes with life at home and how home life interferes with work. It includes both the positive and negative effects that work has on the family domain and vice versa. As research on the psychological contract approach to the employment relationship is scarce with regard to work–family interference, it became the subject of this study. The results demonstrate that psychological contract measures, in particular time commitment, can explain work–family conflict, while job content can explain work–family enrichment. In addition, the study revealed that with the appearance of gender as a moderator, different additional factors may play a role in work–family enrichment and work–family conflict. Furthermore, it revealed that family structure is not a predictor for work–family interference. This paper discusses managerial implications and offers recommendations for further research.

Citation

Blomme, R.J., Sok, J., van Rheede, A. and Tromp, D.M. (2013), "The Use of the Psychological Contract to Explain Work–Family Interference Among Highly Educated Employees", Advances in Hospitality and Leisure (Advances in Hospitality and Leisure, Vol. 9), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 135-162. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1745-3542(2013)0000009011