Search results
1 – 10 of 14Mung Khie Tsen, Manli Gu, Chee Meng Tan and See Kwong Goh
More companies embrace flexible work arrangements (FWA) as one of their employee retention strategies, yet its effectiveness is not consistent. Generally, past researchers use the…
Abstract
Purpose
More companies embrace flexible work arrangements (FWA) as one of their employee retention strategies, yet its effectiveness is not consistent. Generally, past researchers use the social exchange theory to explain how FWA lowers turnover intention, while the rest adopts the border theory to justify why FWA can be ineffective. Here, the authors compare the competing theories for the first time to differentiate the theoretical reasoning of three forms of FWA (flex time, flex leave and homeworking). Two mediators (organisational commitment and work−family conflicts) are chosen to represent the mechanism of each theory.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors employ the latest wave of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) Work Orientation Module from 2015. Based on nationally representative data from 35 nations and 17,604 participants, the authors employed simple mediation and parallel double-mediation models via bootstrapping procedures to investigate the theoretical reasoning behind each FWA.
Findings
The results indicate that organisational commitment and work−family conflicts as significant mediators in all models, supporting both theories. The authors first tested each mediator in separated models. In models concerning the social exchange theory, all FWA lead to increased organisational commitment before lowering turnover intention, implying the beneficial outcomes of FWA. However, findings also support the border theory's perspective where flex time and homeworking increase turnover intention through heightened work−family conflicts. The parallel double-mediation further suggests that all three FWA forms have their unique theoretical framework, impacting turnover intention differently.
Originality/value
Both the social exchange theory and border theory are well-developed theories but grounded on different theoretical reasoning. This is the first paper that compares both theoretical perspectives in the context of FWA. It offers a new perspective in explaining the inconclusive effectiveness of FWA and provides future researchers a more integrated interpretation and prediction of FWA's impact on turnover intention.
Details
Keywords
The Covid-19 pandemic, which started in China and spread rapidly all over the world in a short time, can be considered as a dynamic struggle that forces all individuals and…
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic, which started in China and spread rapidly all over the world in a short time, can be considered as a dynamic struggle that forces all individuals and therefore organizations to act with new strategies. When considered in terms of its effects and consequences, it can even be regarded as the beginning of a new world order. In this new order, individuals who are unintentionally exposed to chaos theories and possible disaster scenarios related to Covid-19, both in their daily life and in organizational life, can make an effort to continue their lives with the increase in their anxiety levels. While this new order, which shakes the vital balance, forces individuals to struggle, the managers of the organization become a part of this struggle. In addition to the individual struggles of the employees, organizations are also in a separate struggle as providing the necessary support. In this chaos environment, it is important that the psychological health of the employees and the strategic moves of the organizations are mutually supportive in order to ensure a healthier working life. Therefore, this research was carried out with the support of current data and literature to evaluate the Covid-19 pandemic under the headings of remote work, work−family balance and the psychological reflections they cause. In this context, the changes caused by covid-19 were evaluated from the employee’s point of view, and inferences were made from the possible consequences of the situation.
Details
Keywords
Rachael Rief and Samantha Clinkinbeard
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between officer perceptions of fit in their organization and stress (organizational and operational), overall job…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between officer perceptions of fit in their organization and stress (organizational and operational), overall job satisfaction and turnover contemplation (within the last 6 months).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used cross-sectional survey data from a sample of 832 officers from two Midwest police departments to examine the relationships between fit, stress and work-related attitudes.
Findings
Perceived stress and organizational fit were strong predictors of overall job satisfaction and turnover contemplation; organizational fit accounted for the most variation in stress, satisfaction and turnover contemplation. Organizational stress partially mediated the relationship between organizational fit and job satisfaction and organizational fit and turnover contemplation.
Research Implications
More research is needed to identify predictors of organizational fit perceptions among police officers.
Practical implications
Findings indicate that agencies should pay close attention to the organizational culture and structure when trying to address issues of officer well-being and retention. Further, the person−environment framework can be a useful tool in examining police occupational outcomes.
Originality/value
The authors findings contribute to research on officer stress by exploring perceptions of organizational fit as a predictor of stress and unpacking how officer stress matters to important work outcomes, including job satisfaction and thoughts of turnover, by considering stress as a mediator between organizational fit and these work outcomes.
Details
Keywords
Shazia Nauman, Connie Zheng and Saima Naseer
Drawing on conservation of resources theory, this study aims to investigate the processes underlying the linkages between job insecurity (JI) and work–family conflict (WFC) from a…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on conservation of resources theory, this study aims to investigate the processes underlying the linkages between job insecurity (JI) and work–family conflict (WFC) from a stress perspective, focusing on the mediating role of subordinates' work withdrawal (WW) and emotional exhaustion (EE). Specifically, the authors tested two distinct mediating mechanisms, namely, WW and EE that have received less attention in testing the JI and WFC linkage. The authors also tested the variable of perceived organizational justice (POJ) to moderate these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data collected at Time 1 and Time 2 included 206 professionals from different occupational sectors. The authors study independent variable (i.e. JI), moderator (POJ) and mediator (WW) were measured at Time-1, whereas the other mediator (EE) and outcome (WFC) were tapped by the same respondent at Time-2 with a time interval of one month between them.
Findings
The findings suggest that subordinates’ EE and WW mediate the relationship between JI and WFC. Further, the authors found that EE is a relatively more effective mechanism than WW in explaining how and why JI translates into WFC. The results of the moderated mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of JI on WFC is strengthened when POJ is low.
Practical implications
JI has adverse consequences on the employees’ well-being and a cost to the organization in terms of WW. HR and top management should anticipate the negative influence of WW and EE and should focus on nurturing positive work–family climates to help reduce WFCs. Managers should give employees opportunities for participation and foster a climate of fairness in the organization to mitigate the harmful consequences of JI.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the employees’ burnout, counter work behavior and the WFC literature. By introducing EE and WW as underlying mechanisms and identifying POJ as a work contextual variable to explain the JI – WFC relationship, the authors extend the nomological network of JI. The authors respond to the calls by prior researchers as little research has examined how perceived fairness (unfairness) can induce WFC.
Details
Keywords
Toyin Ajibade Adisa, Olatunji David Adekoya and Olajumoke Okoya
The trend of domestic employment thrives almost in every society. It is most common in developing countries and Nigeria is no exception. This paper aims to examine the nature of…
Abstract
Purpose
The trend of domestic employment thrives almost in every society. It is most common in developing countries and Nigeria is no exception. This paper aims to examine the nature of the role of a domestic worker in Nigeria and the work-life conflict issues involved in such work.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a qualitative research approach to examine the nature of the role of domestic workers and the associated work-life conflict issues.
Findings
The findings show that the nature of the jobs of domestic workers in Nigeria gives rise to a situation of modern-day slavery in which an employee works without a formal employment contract, with little or no rights to private time. Long and unstructured working hours, employers’ perceptions about domestic workers and a huge workload fuel and exacerbate work-life conflict amongst domestic workers in Nigeria.
Research limitations/implications
The extent to which the findings of this research can be generalised is constrained by the limited and selected sample of the research and the research context.
Practical implications
The primacy of the employer over the employee in domestic employment means that both time and work-based conflicts continue to buffer work-life conflict if domestic workers’ working hours remain unscheduled and their employers’ perceptions about them remain unchanged. This invariably has a negative impact on the domestic workers’ health and productivity. Therefore, domestic employment should be regulated by law and domestic workers should be treated like other formal employees.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the debates on the work-life conflict by highlighting the nature of the role of domestic workers in a non-western context, Nigeria and provides a nuanced insight into the work-life conflict issues involved in such work. The findings add conceptual thought and empirical evidence to the debate on work-life conflict.
Details
Keywords
Ronald H. Humphrey, Chao Miao and Anthony Silard
After summarizing what has been learned so far, the purpose of this review is to suggest several promising avenues for future research on work-to-family enrichment (WFE) and…
Abstract
Purpose
After summarizing what has been learned so far, the purpose of this review is to suggest several promising avenues for future research on work-to-family enrichment (WFE) and family-to-work enrichment (FWE).
Approach
This is a literature review. After reviewing the existing research and searching for gaps in the literature, new areas of research will be proposed to fill these gaps.
Findings
While much has been learned about the antecedents and consequences of work–family enrichment in both directions, WFE and FWE, much remains to be learned.
Research Implications
Three important outcomes – job performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and counterproductive work behavior – need to be studied regarding WFE and FWE. Although supervisor support has been studied, the field needs to incorporate leadership theories and models to understand this phenomenon. Additional predictors of work outcomes – including emotional intelligence, leadership, emotional labor, social support, gender, and cross-cultural variables – need to be examined. Experience sampling methods and advanced research methodologies should also be used.
Practical Implications
Although prior research has demonstrated the important effects of WFE and FWE, the practical effects on organizations in terms of job performance still need to be investigated.
Societal Implications
The literature review conclusively demonstrates that WFE and FWE are both related to job satisfaction and family satisfaction.
Originality
This is the first review to summarize the existing meta-analytical research in this area and to propose the particular avenues of research advocated in this article.
Details
Keywords
Zakaria Elkhwesky, Islam Elbayoumi Salem and Mona Barakat
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of ethnic, gender and religious diversity management practices (DMPs) and the level of implementation from perspectives…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of ethnic, gender and religious diversity management practices (DMPs) and the level of implementation from perspectives of five-star hotels in Egypt. Besides, it also examines the moderating role of empowerment and capability development (CD) between the importance and the implementation of gender and religious management practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The questionnaires were distributed personally to entry-level F&B employees, F&B managers, working in F&B departments, and HR managers in all accepted five-star hotels in their workplaces, during July and August 2017. Only 400 returned back, with a response rate of 35 percent and were considered usable for data analysis.
Findings
The results clarified that there was a significant moderate positive correlation between the importance and the implementation of gender and religious management practices (MPs). Nonetheless, the correlation proved to be significant, weak and positive between the importance and the implementation of ethnic MPs. The relationship between the importance and the implementation of ethnic, gender and religious MPs was not moderated by empowerment.
Research limitations/implications
Although questionnaires have been collected from diverse F&B outlets, comparisons among outlets were not conducted. This study concentrated on the F&B departments only; hence, future researchers can make comparisons among different departments.
Practical implications
This study implies that HR managers should recruit employees from diverse ethnicities, gender, ages, disabilities and religions to help five-star hotels achieve success in marketplaces. Recruiting diverse employees should be a basic part of the organizational culture of hotels, specifically F&B departments.
Social implications
Social activities organized in hotels, such as a tennis table, football and billiards tournaments, are included. Hotels can provide employees with special meals during fasting and they can also allow Christian employees to leave the hotel from 7 to 10 a.m. to attend the mass in church each Sunday.
Originality/value
Although DM is necessary for the hospitality industry, there is a lack of studies focusing on investigating the importance−implementation of DMPs and analyzing the moderating role of empowerment and CD in this industry, specifically in Egypt. This study provided weighty contributions to the management of diversity in the Egyptian hotel sector and formed one of the first empirical studies.
Details
Keywords
Lucio Todisco, Andrea Tomo, Paolo Canonico and Gianluigi Mangia
The paper aims to understand how the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) influenced public employees' perception of smart working and how this approach was used during…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to understand how the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) influenced public employees' perception of smart working and how this approach was used during the pandemic. The authors asked about smart working's positive and negative aspects and how these changed during the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors explored the strengths and weaknesses of smart working before and after COVID-19. The authors interviewed 27 Italian public employees who had experienced smart working before the pandemic. The questions and discussion aimed to broadly explore the strengths and weaknesses of smart working and smart working's impact on working performance, work relationships and work–life balance (WLB).
Findings
Smart working had a widespread and positive impact on organizational flexibility. Smart working improved the response and resilience of Italian public organizations to the pandemic. However, some critical factors emerged, such as the right to disconnect and the impact on WLB.
Research limitations/implications
The authors suggest that the pandemic exposed the need for public administrations to consolidate work flexibility practices, such as smart working, by paying more attention to the impact of these practices on the whole organization and human resources management (HRM) policies and practices.
Originality/value
This study makes an important contribution to the literature on the public sector by discussing the positive and negative aspects of smart working. The study also provides managerial and policy implications of the use of smart working in public administrations.
Details
Keywords
Innocent Chigozie Osuizugbo, Olalekan Shamsideen Oshodi, Patricia Omega Kukoyi, Amos Okemukoko Lawani and Anthony Ogochukwu Onokwai
The current study seeks to investigate and determine the principal barriers to the adoption of work–life balance (WLB) practices amongst construction companies operating in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study seeks to investigate and determine the principal barriers to the adoption of work–life balance (WLB) practices amongst construction companies operating in the developing countries using Lagos, Nigeria as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a survey research technique. Snowball sampling technique was adopted to identify the target respondents for the administration of questionnaire. A total of 156 questionnaires were distributed and a response rate of 66% (103 questionnaires were completely filled and returned) was attained. Data elicited were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings
The results from the exploratory factors analysis show that the principal barriers to the adoption of WLB practices amongst construction companies in Lagos, Nigeria are categorised into four components: nature of construction job and limited evidence on impact of WLB, support, awareness and culture, lack of involvement of management staff and organisational factors.
Originality/value
This study contributed to more effective WLB studies by highlighting the barriers to the adoption of WLB practices in the construction sector. An understanding of these barriers can aid policy makers and management personnel in construction organisations as well as facilitate development of strategies required to reduce the barriers to WLB practices in the construction sector.
Details