Work-family balance of female parliamentarians in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ummu Markwei ◽  
Michael Kubi ◽  
Benedicta Quao ◽  
Esther Julia Attiogbe
Keyword(s):  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Political Careers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Policies ◽  
Family Balance ◽  
Healthy Work ◽  
Female Employees ◽  
Work Family

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the challenges female parliamentarians in Ghana face in their attempt to balance their professions and families. Design/methodology/approach This is a qualitative study which explores the nature of strain female MP’s in Ghana encounter in their struggle to achieve a work-life balance. Findings It is concluded that most female parliamentarians in Ghana go through tough times in trying to juggle career with family life. The study revealed that the MPs adopt strategies such as prioritizing roles, limiting official duties at home and using social support to help them cope with the pressures of their roles. The organizational policies put in place to aid female employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance did not yield much result for the participants in this study. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in it being the first study that qualitatively explores the complex challenges female parliamentarians face in their political careers and family lives in Ghana.

Help or harm? The effects of ICTs usage on work–life balance

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 533-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Wang ◽  
Liangmou Gao ◽  
Zhong Lin
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Work ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Family Balance ◽  
Work Family

Purpose Leveraging boundary theory and person–environment fit theory, the purpose of this paper is to propose a model that illustrates the process by which nonwork-related information and communication technologies (ICTs) usage during office hours affects family-to-work conflict (FWC) and work–family balance satisfaction (WFBS), and the moderating effect of family–work segmentation preference (FWSP) in that process. Design/methodology/approach Analyses using PROCESS were conducted to analyze the proposed relationships on survey-collected data. Findings Augmented ICTs usage led to greater perceptions of FWC, though the strength of this association was contingent on FWSP in that integration preference buffered ICTs usage’s detrimental effects. Moreover, ICTs usage was shown to exert an effect on WFBS through FWC. The results indicated a mediated moderation pattern such that the moderating role of ICTs usage and FWSP on WFBS was mediated by FWC. Originality/value By focusing on ICTs usage for family reasons at work, the study filled a formerly acknowledged gap in the research field regarding how nonwork-related ICTs usage at work affected work–life balance.

scholarly journals The experiences of work-life balance, stress, and coping lifestyles of female professionals: insights from a developing country

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 999-1015
Author(s):  
Babatunde Akanji ◽  
Chima Mordi ◽  
Hakeem Adeniyi Ajonbadi
Keyword(s):  
Health Sector ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Family ◽  
And Coping

PurposeGiven the limiting conditions of the gender roles confronting professional working women and drawing on spillover theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of work-life balance with an emphasis on the causes of the imbalances, perceived stress, and coping techniques experienced by female medical doctors in an African context – Nigeria, a geographical location that is considered under-researched.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative data is based on one-to-one in-depth interviews with 52 Nigerian female medical doctors.FindingsBased on the findings of the thematic analysis, it is clear that time squeeze, as a well-known factor in the medical profession, exacerbates negative work-home interference. However, other themes, such as patriarchal proclivities and task-pay disparity, that affect female doctors but are rarely considered in studies on work-life balance also emerged as sources of stress and work-family conflicts, leaving these doctors to devise individual coping methods as mitigating strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relies on a limited qualitative sample size, which makes the generalisation of findings difficult. However, the study contributes to the limited literature on the implications of stress and work-family incompatibilities facing women in a society that is not particularly egalitarian, with an extremely pronounced culture of masculine hegemony that is contrary to western cultures. The article unveils the socio-cultural difficulties of the work-life demands facing women specific to the Nigerian society and experienced with a different level of intensity.Originality/valueThe majority of the research on work-life balance has been undertaken in western countries and has focused on various professional groups and organisations, including the health sector. Nevertheless, work-life balance is a novel concept within the Nigerian work environment, where female medical doctors, as a professional group, are rarely studied. The article also provides valuable insights into the macro-contextual features influencing the work-life balance of Nigerian professional women.

Taming travel for work-life balance in global careers

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Lirio
Keyword(s):  
Work Life ◽  
International Travel ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Select Group ◽  
Travel Decisions ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Global Work ◽  
Gen X

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand how global managers from the generation born 1965 to 1980 (“Generation X”) manage demands of international business travel with desires for family involvement. A portrait evolves of how travel within a global career might be optimized for both business and family life. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative methodology was used as little research has focussed on alternative forms of global work or work-family issues in a global context. The author conducted in-depth interviews with 25 Gen X global managers in dual-career families (“Global Gen Xers”) pursuing global careers from the USA and Canada. Findings – The author uncovered how Global Gen Xers experienced “work-life balance” through executing personal discretion over travel and substituting in technology. The construct of travel discretion reveals these approaches. Mutual flexibility on the part of global managers and organizations tamed the demanding nature of work spanning divergent locations and time zones. Research limitations/implications – The findings represent experiences from a self-select group of global Gen X managers interviewed at one point in their careers. The author did not obtain reflections from their families on work-family functioning. Practical implications – The findings encourage companies to foster flexibility among their global managers around travel decisions. The author can consider how and when international travel can be replaced through technology in order to control costs and sustain global workforces. Originality/value – This study provides one of the first examinations of work-life balance among younger global managers. It also highlights experiences of those not on expatriate assignments, but performing global work through international travel and technology.

scholarly journals Zadovoljstvo zaposlenih s podporo podjetja pri usklajevanju dela in družine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatjana Kepic ◽  
Mojca Bernik ◽  
Jasmina Žnidaršič
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Family Balance ◽  
Family Friendly ◽  
The Family ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Work Family

The fast paced lifestyle in the technologically advanced era, brings many challenges in the field of work-family balance. For a good business performance, customer satisfaction and a positive impact on the environment, it is important for a company to have satisfied employees. Many successful companies are aware that the key to having productive and satisfied employees is also to understand and promote workfamily balance. This awareness is slowly growing in Slovenian companies and therefore the acquisition of the Family-Friendly Company certificate has been actively pursued since 2006. With the help of the Family-Friendly Company certificate, companies are able to retain the best talents and gain the moral loyalty of employees. Based on the study of literature and previous research, the article presents the situation in the field of work-life balance in Slovenia. The results of a survey conducted in a selected company are presented in the following article. The results of the analysis showed that the employees of the studied company are on average satisfied with the familyfriendly measures and that there is a difference in the success of work-life balance according to gender. Based on the results, possible improvements in the studied area are also suggested.

scholarly journals Contextualising work–life balance: a case of women of African origin in the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-153
Author(s):  
Loliya Agbani Akobo ◽  
Jim Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Career Advancement ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
African Origin ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Family ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The existing gender gap in the workplace, that affects job satisfaction and career advancement of women, creates a need to understand further the causes and effects of the gender gap phenomenon. Although, there are many challenges that affect women’s job satisfaction and advancement in the workplace, this paper aims to investigate work–life balance using multiple theoretical lenses. Design/methodology/approach In total, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with women from Nigeria and Ghana residing in the UK, they were selected using a purposive sampling method. Findings The findings show four main factors that explain the choices these women make in relation to work–family. These are cultural sensitivities, current phase in family and work–life, personality types and other influences such as policies and financial commitment. Results also show how these women make these work–family choices using networks and services. Practical implications The paper postulates the need for organisation’s to pay attention to the acculturation and enculturation of these women, which would indicate observing their cultural behaviour’s, values, knowledge and identities to understand how they integrate, assimilate and to also prevent separation and marginalisation. In addition, the use of (internal and external) networks as support systems for these women can create the opportunity for informal learning. Finally, organisation’s should create structure that support workplace learning and should include activities such as decision-making, communication, career advancement planning and flexible work patterns. Originality/value This study contributes to theory using multiple theories (work-family, gender inequality and Theories X and Y in explaining the work–family construct of women of African origin in the UK.

scholarly journals Affordability and Work-Family Balance as key predictors of favorable attitude towards online businesses in women e-entrepreneurs of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-185
Author(s):  
Amal Sajjad ◽  
Jawad Tariq ◽  
Ahmed Usman ◽  
Inam ul Haq
Keyword(s):  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Favorable Attitude ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Family Balance ◽  
Work Family Balance ◽  
Work Family

The study assessed the role of factors, affordability and work family balance, in shaping favorable attitude of women Facebook e-entrepreneurs towards online businesses in Pakistan after controlling for socio-demographic, household, and business characteristics. Data from a nonrandom sample of 112 women e-entrepreneurs operating their online businesses through Facebook was analyzed. The independent variables were affordability and work life balance and the dependent variable was favorable attitude towards online businesses. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Factor analysis and reliability analysis was done to assess validity and reliability of the scales used in the study. Hierarchical multiple regression was carried out to assess the effect of independent variables on dependent variable. The study found that affordability/low startup cost of business and work life balance were statistically significant determinants of favorable attitude towards online businesses. All control variables added in the model were statistically insignificant. The study recommends that interventions such as providing e-entrepreneurship trainings to vulnerable segments of women population can increase their empowerment. The study also suggests that action based studies should be carried out to assess the effect of e-entrepreneurship on women empowerment.

Australian Muslim men balancing work, family and religion:a positive look at a negative issue

2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adem Sav ◽  
Neil Harris ◽  
Bernadette Sebar
Keyword(s):  
Work And Family ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Potential Conflict ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Muslim Men ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Work Life Conflict

Purpose – This study explores how Australian Muslim men cope with potential conflict and achieve feelings of balance between their work, family and religious roles. Design/methodology/approach – The study is guided by the interpretive paradigm and is qualitative. Data is collected from participants via semi-structured in-depth interviews (n=20) and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – Personal coping strategies (e.g. making permanent changes and time management) seem more effective in coping with immediate conflict and achieving work-life balance as opposed to external ones (e.g. supervisor support). Although some of the strategies mirror existing research, their extent of use and reasons for usage by Muslim men are different. Muslim men use these strategies in a preventive manner to actively achieve work-life balance rather than just cope with episodic work-life conflict. Research limitations/implications – The study is conducted with a small sample and the findings may not be generalizable to non-practising Australian Muslim men. To date, research has not clearly articulated how people who do not experience work-life conflict, make decisions to achieve balance. This study has a positive look at a negative issue by indicating that workers can go beyond coping with conflict and explore avenues to achieve work-life balance. The findings underscore the importance of preventive coping in achieving work-life balance and caution researchers about investigating how people cope with immediate work-life conflict only. Originality/value – In addition to work and family roles, this study focuses on religious commitments, with religion being a largely overlooked concept within the work-family coping literature.

scholarly journals Work-Family Balance: Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 383-387
Author(s):  
Raluca Rusu
Keyword(s):  
Working Condition ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Family Balance ◽  
Work Family Balance ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Research And Policy

Abstract This article presents some aspects of theory and research on work-life balance. It starts by exploring why work-life balance has become an important topic for research and policy and then examines some of the traditional perspectives of the concept, outlining some of its implications for the work place. Finally, the topic is presented by a number of variables used in European Quality on Life Survey, 2016 conducted by EU Agency for Improvement of Living and Working Condition, Eurofound

Conceptualising Work-Life Balance; Extension of Work-Family Balance

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2155-2158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhamad Khalil Omar ◽  
Azzarina Zakaria
Keyword(s):  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Family Balance ◽  
Work Family Balance ◽  
Work Family

scholarly journals The costs of networking in nonwork domains: a resource-based perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 501-516
Author(s):  
Hans-Georg Wolff ◽  
Sowon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Family Conflict ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Work Family Conflict ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Work Domain

PurposeWhile studies have established that networking is an investment in an individual's career that pays off, recent research has begun to examine the potential costs of networking. This study suggests that prior research is limited in scope, as it remains focused on the work domain. Drawing upon the work home resources model (Ten Brummelhuis and Bakker, 2012), the authors broaden this perspective and develop a framework of negative consequences in nonwork domains. The paper proposes that networking generates costs in nonwork domains, because it requires the investment of finite energy resources in the work domain, and people lack these resources in other domains.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses structural equation modeling of multisource data from N = 306 individuals and their partners to examine how networking affects two distinct nonwork outcomes: work–family conflict and work–life balance.FindingsAnalyses support the general framework: networking is related to time- and strain-based work–family conflict, and work time mediates the relationship between networking and these forms of conflict. Moreover, networking exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship with work–life balance, indicating that excessive networking as well as a lack of networking decrease work–life balance.Originality/valueThis study adds to the emergent literature on the negative consequences of networking. The findings suggest that employees and organizations should adopt a broader and more balanced perspective on networking: one that takes the well-known benefits – but also potential costs in work and nonwork domains – into account.

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