Exploring how institutions shape managerialist employment relations and work-life balance (WLB) challenges in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 1401-1421
Author(s):  
Uzoechi Nwagbara
Keyword(s):  
Management Practice ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Employment Relations ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Subsequent Work ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Unique Context

PurposeThis study explores the nexus between institutions and managerialist employment relations and subsequent work-life balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian employees. Through an exploratory approach, the paper investigates how institutions shape employment relations, which is characterised by systematic and normalised managerialist practices and lack of employee participation.Design/methodology/approachRelying on a qualitative, interpretive approach, this study explores the relationship between institutional pressures, managerialism and employment relations. 31 semi-structured interviews and nine focus group interviews data was used.FindingsThis paper found that institutions shape organisational practice, specifically employment relations and human resource management (HRM) practice generally through its normative tendency. The study also found that although managerialist employment relations leads to WLB challenges, Nigeria's unique context aggravates this situation constituting serious WLB challenges for workers.Research limitations/implicationsResearches dealing with the relationship between managerialism, employment relations and WLB are largely underdeveloped and under-theorised. HRM phenomena such as unhappy workforce, stress, lack of flexibility, burnout, turnover and turnover intention, associated with management practice, have major implications for engagement procedures and HRM strategies. However, the sample size used potentially limits generalisation including its qualitative approach.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the dearth of researches focusing on employer–employee relationship quality as a precursor to WLB challenges and a mediator between managerialist employment relations and WLB challenges. Additionally, the study contributes to the burgeoning WLB discourse from developing countries perspective, which is understudied. It also sheds light on how Nigeria's unique context can bring new insights into the nascent WLB discourse and its associated HRM practices.

scholarly journals Institutions and organisational work-life balance (WLB) policies and practices

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uzoechi Nwagbara
Keyword(s):  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Organizational Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Female Workers ◽  
Organizational Work ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Policies And Practices

PurposeThis paper examines the relationship between the institution’s organizational work-life-balance (WLB) policies and practices and subsequent challenges faced by Nigerian workers. The paper argues that institutions shape WLB practices (and policies), and thus, constitute WLB challenges.Design/methodology/approachRelying on qualitative, interpretive approach, and the institution-based view of organizational practice, the study investigates the relationship between institutions, WLB practices/policies, and subsequent challenges that female workers undergo, using 25 semi-structured interviews.FindingsThe findings reveal Nigeria’s unique institutional context frames and foster challenges for female workers. Also, it was identified that institutional and sociocultural pressures on female employees demonstrate that consequent challenges, while common to female workers in other countries, are more intense and challenging in Nigeria because of its peculiar institutions and context.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers an opportunity to unpick how institutions are important in understanding organizational practices as part of wider social structures, which influence organizational realities, including WLB. The qualitative, exploratory approach undertaken can limit generalizing the findings.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the emerging concept of WLB discourse from the developing countries’ perspective. It also reveals how WLB discourse differs from nonwestern context and emphasizes previously identified challenges that female workers experience based on WLB practice. The study also sheds light on how institutions shape organizational practice.

scholarly journals Do work-life balance practices mediate in the relationship between female participation and financial performance?

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Dolores Odriozola ◽  
Elisa Baraibar-Diez
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Female Participation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Participation Of Women ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between the participation of women in companies with financial performance. However, this relationship does not arise directly. The authors argue that the participation of women in the company’s staff has a positive effect on the creation of work-life balance (WLB) practices, due to women have traditionally assumed family responsibilities, and subsequently these practices positively affect financial performance. WLB practices are a tool to balance employees’ professional and personal goals.Design/methodology/approachThis study aims to determine whether WLB practices mediate in the relationship between female participation in the workforce and financial performance on large companies listed in the Spanish Stock Exchange Index during the period from 2008 to 2013.FindingsThe main finding is that female participation in the workforce positively affects to the availability of WLB practices, but WLB practices are not a mediator to increase financial performance.Originality/valueThe study is a new contribution for academics and practitioners, since the WLB has a role of moderating variable; and the positive joint effect of female participation and WLB practices is tested over the company’s outcomes, instead of over the individual employee behaviour like in previous literature. In addition, this effect is studied in a country with economic recession where corporate WLB practices have increased in the last decade.

scholarly journals Challenges for work–life balance during COVID-19 induced nationwide lockdown: exploring gender difference in emotional exhaustion in the Indian setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 705-718
Author(s):  
Bhumika Bhumika
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Personal Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
Indian Setting ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Work Interference

Purpose This paper aims to attempt to explore the nature of relationship between work–life balance and emotional exhaustion experienced by the employed individuals while working from home during the pandemic COVID-19 induced nationwide lockdown in the Indian setting. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 180 working professionals in North India who were working from home during the lockdown. PROCESS macro developed for SPSS was used to test the hypotheses. Findings Findings depicted that in comparison to men, women felt more emotional exhaustion due to personal life interference in work during work from home period. Surprisingly, the relationship between work interference with personal life, and emotional exhaustion did not differ by gender. It was found that the participative leadership could contribute to reduction of work interference with personal life, and through such an influence, emotional exhaustion experienced by an employee could be reduced to some extent. Originality/value Many previous studies have explored the nature of the relationship between work–life balance and emotional exhaustion, but rarely any study could cover any Pandemic affected working scenario. This study attempted to investigate such a relationship when employees were obligated to mandatorily work from home during the countrywide lockdown.

scholarly journals Work–life balance, retention of professionals and psychological empowerment: an empirical validation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ansumalini Panda ◽  
Chandan Kumar Sahoo
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Psychological Empowerment ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between work–life balance and employee retention by examining the mediating role of psychological empowerment among software firms based in India.Design/methodology/approachThe study collected 283 responses by using a structured questionnaire and interview method. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to validate the hypothesized research model for examining the consistency and sturdiness of the study variables by applying AMOS 20.FindingsThe result reveals that psychological empowerment partially mediates the relationship between work–life balance and the retention of professionals. This indicates that a high degree of psychological empowerment strengthens the relations between work–life balance and the retention of professionals.Research limitations/implicationsThe research outlined a best-fit model of psychological empowerment as a partial mediator among work–life balance and the retention of professionals. The study presents a set of sensible and practical aspects where work–life balance and retention of professionals can aid in developing and generating commitment to the organization which could offer new insights for software professionals, managers and practitioners.Originality/valueThis study emphasized that psychological empowerment helps in enhancing dedication, loyalty, integrity, allegiance and trustworthiness among employees, thus playing a role between work–life balance and the retention of professionals.

The impact of servant leadership and perceived organisational and supervisor support on job burnout and work–life balance in the era of teleworking and COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicky Dimitra Ioanna Lamprinou ◽  
Konstantinos Tasoulis ◽  
Foteini Kravariti
Keyword(s):  
Servant Leadership ◽  
Supervisor Support ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Job Burnout ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organisational Support ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeDrawing on organisational support theory, this paper aims to investigate the relationships between servant leadership and (1) job burnout and (2) work–life balance, as mediated by perceived organisational support (POS) and perceived supervisor support (PSS), for both teleworkers and non-teleworkers. It is postulated that, under the influence of a servant leader, as well as a supportive workplace and supervisor, teleworkers and non-teleworkers will demonstrate reduced symptoms of job burnout and maintain a better balance between their professional and personal lives.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was developed based on well-established scales. Primary data were collected from individuals working in 22 industrial sectors operating in Greece. In total, 211 individuals participated in this study, of whom 64 were teleworkers and 147 were non-teleworkers. Statistical analyses include Pearson's correlations, exploratory factor analyses and mediation analyses using SPSS Process Version 3.FindingsThe findings established that POS is the full mediator in the relationship between servant leadership and (1) job burnout and (2) work–life balance for both teleworkers and non-teleworkers, whereas PSS was not found to act as a mediator in the aforementioned associations.Originality/valueThis article offers robust evidence for servant leadership and organisational support scholarship by establishing that POS mediates the relationship between servant leadership and (1) job burnout and (2) work–life balance amidst COVID-19 for both teleworkers and non-teleworkers. This evidence contributes to understanding how and why servant leadership influences employee well-being not only in traditional working environments but also in the context of teleworking.

scholarly journals The impacts of work-life-balance (WLB) challenges on social sustainability

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 868-888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahman Mushfiqur ◽  
Chima Mordi ◽  
Emeka Smart Oruh ◽  
Uzoechi Nwagbara ◽  
Tonbara Mordi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Environment ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Stress Level

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of work-life-balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian female medical doctors. This study focusses on Nigeria, which its peculiar socio-cultural, institutional and professional realities constitute WLB as well as social sustainability (SS) challenge for female medical doctors. Design/methodology/approach Relying on qualitative, interpretivist approach and informed by institutional theory, this study explores how Nigeria’s institutional environment and workplace realities engender WLB challenges, which consequently impact SS for female doctors. In total, 43 semi-structured interviews and focus group session involving eight participants were utilised for empirical analysis. Findings The study reveals that factors such as work pressure, cultural expectations, unsupportive relationships, challenging work environment, gender role challenges, lack of voice/participation, and high stress level moderate the ability of female medical doctors to manage WLB and SS. It also identifies that socio-cultural and institutional demands on women show that these challenges, while common to female physicians in other countries, are different and more intense in Nigeria because of their unique professional, socio-cultural and institutional frameworks. Research limitations/implications The implications of the WLB and SS requires scholarship to deepen as well as extend knowledge on contextual disparities in understanding these concepts from developing countries perspective, which is understudied. Originality/value This study offers fresh insights into the WLB and SS concepts from the non-western context, such as Nigeria, highlighting the previously understudied challenges of WLB and SS and their implications for female doctors.

scholarly journals Work-life balance and its relationship with organizational pride and job satisfaction

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 586-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Mas-Machuca ◽  
Jasmina Berbegal-Mirabent ◽  
Ines Alegre
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Supervisor Support ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Job Autonomy ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

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.

scholarly journals Exploring the implications of the influence of organisational culture on work-life balance practices

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 454-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toyin Ajibade Adisa ◽  
Chima Mordi ◽  
Ellis L.C. Osabutey
Keyword(s):  
Working Hours ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related

Purpose Whilst significant evidence of western work-life balance (WLB) challenges exists, studies that explore Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are scarce. The purpose of this paper is to explore how organisational culture in Nigerian medical organisations influences doctors’ WLB and examine the implications of supportive and unsupportive cultures on doctors’ WLB. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses qualitative data gleaned from semi-structured interviews of 60 medical doctors across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria in order to elicit WLB challenges within the context of organisational culture. Findings The findings show that organisational culture strongly influences employees’ abilities to use WLB policies. Unsupportive culture resulting from a lack of support from managers, supervisors, and colleagues together with long working hours influenced by shift work patterns, a required physical presence in the workplace, and organisational time expectations exacerbate the challenges that Nigerian medical doctors face in coping with work demands and non-work-related responsibilities. The findings emphasise how ICT and institutions also influence WLB. Originality/value The paper addresses the underresearched SSA context of WLB and emphasises how human resource management policies and practices are influenced by the complex interaction of organisational, cultural, and institutional settings.

Institutionalised patriarchy and work-life balance (WLB) challenges for female medical doctors: the case of Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uzoechi Nwagbara
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Male Dominance ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Choices

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how institutionalised patriarchy triggers work-life-balance (WLB) challenges for Nigerian female medical doctors. It is focused on Nigeria to understand how its unique institutional context poses WLB challenges.Design/methodology/approachRelying on exploratory qualitative approach based on 41 semi-structured interviews with female medical doctors in Nigeria and informed by institutional theory (IT), this study explores how patriarchal institutions create, maintain and transmit male dominance, exploitation and inequality in the family, workplace and larger society.FindingsThe findings of this study show that patriarchy exists not only in family but also in all structures and institutions that allow for control of women by men and further inequality and exploitation of women. It was also found that in contrast to research in the west, WLB challenges stemming from Nigeria's patriarchal institutions are significantly different because of the peculiar institutional frameworks framing them. Also, WLB challenges for female physicians while common to female doctors in western countries are more intense in developing countries, given their unique sociocultural and institutional realities.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications of this study are that WLB challenges of female doctors are not fundamentally driven by individual choices but by broader contextual issues, which create and sustain such challenges. Further studies can be undertaken in private hospitals including quantitative approaches.Originality/valueThis research thus contributes to both institutional theory and WLB discourse from the perspective of developing countries.

scholarly journals What happened to the border? The role of mobile information technology devices on employees’ work-life balance

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1651-1671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toyin Ajibade Adisa ◽  
Gbolahan Gbadamosi ◽  
Ellis L.C. Osabutey
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mobile Information

Purpose Mobile information technology devices (MITDs) are of special interest for researchers who seek to understand the role of these devices on employees’ work-life balance (WLB). The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of MITDs on employees’ WLB. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses semi-structured interviews to investigate the role of MITDs on employees’ WLB. Findings The findings underscore the important role of MITDs in terms of the attainment of flexibility (how, where, and when work is done), which is significant for achieving WLB. However, the use of MITDs has blurred the division between work and non-work domains. This has inadvertently lengthened employees’ working hours, has affected their family relationships, and affected their general health and well-being. The evidence suggests that MITDs have the potential to improve WLB but could also lead to work-life conflict if not properly managed. Originality/value The study calls for a re-examination of WLB policies and practices, specifically border theory, in order to ensure that MITDs can enhance productivity without inadvertently resulting in poor WLB.

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