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21 – 30 of over 96000
Article
Publication date: 6 June 2022

Diana K. Young, Alexander J. McLeod and Darrell Carpenter

In response to the tech skills gap, this research paper aims to examine the influence of occupational characteristics, gender and work-life balance on IT professionals'…

1731

Abstract

Purpose

In response to the tech skills gap, this research paper aims to examine the influence of occupational characteristics, gender and work-life balance on IT professionals' satisfaction with and commitment to their chosen occupation. In addition, the authors explore occupational differences across these investigated factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed a survey research method and partial least squares (PLS) modeling using 293 responses collected from professionals representing five clusters of Information Technology (IT) occupations. Authors further conducted exploratory post-hoc analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests to check for significant differences in key constructs across five IT occupational clusters.

Findings

Occupational characteristics were found to be significantly related to respondents' occupational satisfaction while work-life balance was associated with their level of occupational commitment. Authors also found that that the influence of work-life balance on occupational commitment was more positive for females than for males. Finally, significant differences were found for task significance, task variety, task autonomy, work-life balance and compensation across the five occupational clusters examined.

Originality/value

A key contribution of this study is the focus on IT professionals' satisfaction with and commitment to their chosen occupation rather than a job, organization or profession. Accordingly, the authors contribute a nuanced understanding of an occupation as a facet of job, professional and career outcomes. Authors also explore how gender moderates the influence of work-life balance on occupational commitment. Finally, rather than treating the IT profession as a unified whole as has been done in most prior studies, authors explore satisfaction and commitment related differences across occupational clusters.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2021

Saarce Elsye Hatane, Bernard Emerson, Olievia Soesanto, Ruth Arum Gunawan and Hatane Semuel

The purpose of this study is to discover the impact of worklife balance on the intention to pursue accounting careers through accounting career image.

1507

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to discover the impact of worklife balance on the intention to pursue accounting careers through accounting career image.

Design/methodology/approach

The study managed to collect 693 closed questionnaires, using the five-point Likert Scale, from accounting students in several universities in Java, Sulawesi and Kalimantan, as the three most densely populated islands in Indonesia. The research model is analysed using partial least square method as a part of structural equation modelling.

Findings

There are positive and significant influences between worklife balance and the intention to pursue accounting career when supported by accounting career image. The positive perception of accounting career image motivates accounting students to pursue accounting careers. Accounting students argue that attaining a balance between work and personal life can improve positive perceptions of accounting careers, which drive them to pursue a career in accounting. Worklife balance is an essential factor due to the fact that it can, directly and indirectly, affect the intention to pursue accounting careers. In addition, positive image of accounting profession is found to be able to strengthen the positive influence of the worklife balance to pursue accounting careers.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies can continue along the line of this study as the intention to choose an accounting career can change from time to time. In addition, the generational difference may create a discrepancy in perception and orientation in choosing accounting careers. Therefore, future studies should consider a broader scope and more updated objects.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that working experience is an essential part for accounting students in choosing accounting careers, and so higher education institutions need to consider including field work-practice in their curriculums. Companies are also expected to prioritise worklife balance since it will motivate accounting students to choose an accounting career.

Originality/value

This study investigates the link between worklife balance and decisions to pursue accounting careers through accounting students' perceptions in Indonesia. This study combines the influences of worklife balance and accounting career image on the intention to pursue accounting careers in one model, in which accounting career image is the mediating variable in the indirect link of worklife balance.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2007

Joanna Hughes and Nikos Bozionelos

The purpose of this article is to explore the views of male workers in a male dominated occupation on issues that pertain to worklife balance.

12119

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the views of male workers in a male dominated occupation on issues that pertain to worklife balance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was qualitative in nature. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 bus drivers employed by a single company in order to identify their perceptions on the following: whether issues related to worklife balance were sources of concern and dissatisfaction; how concern over issues related to worklife balance was compared to other sources of concern and dissatisfaction; and whether issues related to worklife balance were linked with withdrawal attitudes and behaviours.

Findings

It emerged that worklife imbalance was not only a source of concern, but also that it was the major source of dissatisfaction for participants. Furthermore, participants made a clear connection between problems with worklife balance and withdrawal behaviours, including turnover and non‐genuine sick absence.

Originality/value

The study has value at both scholarly and practice level. At scholarly level, the research investigated an important contemporary issue within a neglected group: male workers in a low profile male dominated occupation. At practice level, the findings suggest that work life imbalance incurs tangible costs to organisations; hence, organisations need to establish human resource systems to deal with it. Furthermore, pertinent legislation may need to be developed and enacted.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2016

Marta Mas-Machuca, Jasmina Berbegal-Mirabent and Ines Alegre

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between work-life balance, organizational pride and job satisfaction. When evaluating employee work-life balance the…

17154

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between work-life balance, organizational pride and job satisfaction. When evaluating employee work-life balance the present paper takes into consideration two relevant antecedents: supervisor support and job autonomy; and explores their link with organizational pride and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

To verify the hypothesis, a questionnaire survey was used to collect data in a Spanish pharmaceutical organization; 374 responses were obtained. Structural equation modeling was used for the data analysis.

Findings

Data confirms the relationship between the analyzed constructs. The results support the hypothesized relationships of supervisor work-life balance support and autonomy with employee work-life balance. In addition, employee work-life balance is positively related with organizational pride and job satisfaction.

Practical implications

This study provides a useful measurement model that employers and employees can use to evaluate and improve work-life balance through job autonomy and supervisor support. Companies should pay attention to employee work-life balance to enhance organizational pride and job satisfaction. The research tries to help companies to more effectively use their human capital resources.

Originality/value

The paper addresses gaps in the current literature in work-life, organizational pride and job satisfaction. The results may serve as the criteria for managers to better enhance employee job satisfaction in organizations.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2007

Nicola Hughes

The purpose of this case study is to highlight to individuals and businesses the importance of worklife balance and how it can have a massive impact on one's daily life. It aims

2405

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to highlight to individuals and businesses the importance of worklife balance and how it can have a massive impact on one's daily life. It aims to describe the pitfalls of not having a policy in place and also how a business can go about implementing a policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The subject scope of the paper is to inform employers and employees of all aspects of worklife balance from the cause and effect to the methods available to help them achieve a great balance and improve productivity and wellbeing.

Findings

The case study shows that worklife balance is having a massive impact not only on businesses productivity, but also on the economy as a whole. A massive amount of money is being lost due to illness, etc. The information included from companies such as BT who have already implemented a worklife balance programme shows that the results are significant. The increase in staff wellbeing and productivity is amazing and shows that implementing these programmes really makes a difference.

Originality/value

The case study is invaluable to any employer who has a team of staff. The findings of the research undertaken with BT shows that companies cannot wait until worklife balance becomes a “must have” – it needs to be implemented straightaway to ensure that staff are happy in their job and that no aspect of their career is contributing to ill health. BT show that by ensuring that “worklifebalance is prevalent in their business they have reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and have a more responsive and effective workforce.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 39 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 May 2008

Sara J. Wilkinson

This paper aims to establish and illustrate the levels of awareness of worklife balance policies within the surveying profession in Australia and New Zealand. The culture and…

5718

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to establish and illustrate the levels of awareness of worklife balance policies within the surveying profession in Australia and New Zealand. The culture and characteristics of the Australian and New Zealand work force are to be identified. The key aspects included in worklife balance policies are to be illustrated and the perceived benefits for the surveying profession are to be noted. The paper seeks to posit that it is vital to comprehend the levels of awareness of worklife balance issues within the surveying profession first, so that benchmarking may occur over time within the profession and second, that comparisons may be drawn with other professions.

Design/methodology/approach

There is a growing body of research into worklife balance and the built environment professions. Using a questionnaire survey of the whole RICS qualified surveying profession in Australia and New Zealand, this paper identifies the awareness of worklife balance benefits within the surveying profession.

Findings

This research provides evidence that awareness of the issues and options is unevenly spread amongst professional surveyors in the region. With shortages of professionals and an active economy the pressures on existing employees looks set to rise and therefore this is an area which needs to be benchmarked and revisited with a view to adopting best practice throughout the sector. The implications are that employers ignore worklife balance issues at their peril.

Practical implications

There is much to be learned from an increased understanding of worklife balance issues for professionals in the surveying discipline. The consequences of an imbalance between work and personal or family life is emotional exhaustion, cynicism and burnout. The consequences for employers or surveying firms are reduced effectiveness and profitability and increased employee turnover or churn.

Originality/value

Leading on from Ellison's UK surveying profession study and Lingard and Francis's Australian civil engineering and construction industry studies, this paper seeks to raise awareness of the benefits of adopting worklife balance policies within surveying firms and to establish benchmarks of awareness within the Australian and New Zealand surveying profession.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

Jill R. Helmle, Isabel C. Botero and David R. Seibold

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence perceptions of work-life balance among owners of copreneurial firms. Research on work-life balance in the…

6505

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that influence perceptions of work-life balance among owners of copreneurial firms. Research on work-life balance in the context of family firms has focussed on the effects that perceptions of balance can have on the emotional well-being of business owners and performance of the firm. Less attention has been given to understanding the factors affecting an owner's perceptions of work-life balance. This paper not only explores the antecedents of perceptions of work-life balance but does so with copreneurs, or couples who own and manage a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected using surveys. In all, 210 copreneurs with businesses in nearly 20 industries answered questions about their perceptions of work-life balance, work-life conflict (WLC), life-work conflict, communication practices, characteristics of their jobs, and spousal support.

Findings

WLC was negatively related to perceptions of work-life balance. Job involvement, flexibility at work, and permeability of communication were significantly related to perceptions of WLC. Interestingly spousal support did not affect individual perceptions of life-work balance, but had a direct influence on perceptions of work-life balance.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was not randomly selected, and participants were surveyed at only one point in time. Notwithstanding these limitations, the findings have implications for advancing research and theory in the areas of family business, work-life issues, and communication. While the paper focus on copreneurial firms, the findings may have implications for family firms and co-founded ventures.

Practical implications

The potential benefits of copreneurs’ increased awareness of these findings (from readings or through coaching) are important given prior research demonstrating that family to work conflict and work to family conflict affect the emotional well-being of family business owners, their satisfaction with work, and firm performance.

Originality/value

This project offers two important contributions to research in family firms. First, it focusses on copreneurial firms as a unique type of family firm which has the potential to shed light on the differences between family firms. Second, results from this study provide a picture of the predictors of work-life balance for couples who are firm owners.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2022

Elisa Mattarelli, Carlotta Cochis, Fabiola Bertolotti and Paula Ungureanu

This paper investigates how (1) a work environment designed to sustain creativity (i.e. through flexible arrangements and elements of the social-organizational work environment…

2152

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigates how (1) a work environment designed to sustain creativity (i.e. through flexible arrangements and elements of the social-organizational work environment) and (2) the amount of enacted work interactions among employees, interpreted as facilitators of new idea generation (i.e. outdegree centrality in instrumental networks), differently impact creativity and worklife balance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a quantitative study in a knowledge-intensive multinational company and collected data through a survey on a sample of 207 workers.

Findings

Findings highlight that flexible work arrangements are positively related to increased worklife balance but not to creativity, whereas having access to a social-organizational work environment designed to foster creativity is associated to an increased level of idea generation, but to a reduction in worklife balance. In addition, centrality in instrumental social networks is also associated to a reduction of worklife balance. Findings thus point to a potential trade-off between structures aimed at increasing creativity and initiatives aimed at engendering worklife balance.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the current debate on new organizational practices for innovation and creativity, highlighting their unexpected implications for workers. The research also contributes to the literature on worklife balance by unraveling previously unexplored antecedents, i.e. social networks and the social-organizational work environment designed for creativity.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2007

Fiona Moore

The purpose of this article is to compare and contrast the workers and managers of an Anglo‐German MNC, focusing on how each group attempts to maintain an acceptable worklife

11827

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to compare and contrast the workers and managers of an Anglo‐German MNC, focusing on how each group attempts to maintain an acceptable worklife balance.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a two‐year‐long ethnographic study, including in‐depth interviews, participant‐observation and archival research.

Findings

Although the bulk of the company's worklife balance initiatives focus on the managers, and the managers display greater loyalty to the company, the workers are better able to achieve worklife balance. Neither group displays a more positive attitude to their work; however, the managers focus more on achieving status and the workers on personal satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The findings challenge assertions that “flexible” working practices are good for worklife balance, that managers are better able to maintain a good worklife balance than workers, and that the development of an appropriate worklife balance policy assists in ensuring company loyalty and positive attitudes to work.

Practical implications

This article suggests that flexible working may contribute to poor worklife balance, and that success may be less an issue of developing worklife balance policies and more of encouraging a healthy attitude towards work.

Originality/value

This article focuses on the occupationally stratified aspects of worklife balance, comparing managers and workers within an organisation.

Details

Employee Relations, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2009

Farid A. Muna and Ned Mansour

The purpose of this paper is to exhort leaders, organizations, and HR professionals to introduce changes in the work structure and environment, as well to pioneer new policies and…

6806

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to exhort leaders, organizations, and HR professionals to introduce changes in the work structure and environment, as well to pioneer new policies and practices, which allow employees to bring more balance into their lives.

Design/methodology/approach

The long‐term benefits of balanced worklife are outlined from the research literature as well as the experience of selected business leaders. This is followed by a series of practical exercises designed to help readers achieve worklife balance.

Findings

Using the metaphor of an acrobat, this paper provides compelling reasons and proven methodology for leaders and HR professionals to engage more seriously with the topic of worklife balance. How to effectively balance work with personal life is demonstrated through a series of personalized exercises which urge readers to examine their past, present, and future; and then set and implement short‐ and long‐term action plans to reach goals that are linked to their personal values and priorities. The final exercise allows readers to track and measure progress using a Balanced Scorecard.

Research implications

This paper highlights the need for a longitudinal research to determine how leaders manage to balance their work and life, and what variables lead to either success or failure.

Practical implications

HR professionals must become creative when designing work systems/programs catering for those who prefer more flexibility through supportive organizational cultures and work/job structures.

Originality/value

This paper links the theory of worklife balance to implementation of changes in lifestyle through practical individual exercises. It is valuable to both leaders and HR professionals.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

21 – 30 of over 96000