Finding Balance Amid Boundarylessness: An Interpretive Study of Entrepreneurial Work–Life Balance and Boundary Management

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 1546-1576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Souha R. Ezzedeen ◽  
Jelena Zikic
Keyword(s):  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Boundary Theory ◽  
Boundary Management ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Interpretive Study ◽  
Subjective Perceptions ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
High Flexibility ◽  
Practical Implications

In recent years, entrepreneurship has grown as an attractive career alternative, promoting much scholarly attention. Still, little is known about the work–life interface of entrepreneurs, in particular whether entrepreneurship enhances work–life balance or exacerbates conflict between domains. We base this study on boundary theory to explore how subjective perceptions of balance and boundary management might illuminate this contradiction. Indeed, entrepreneurial roles are unique in that they entail high flexibility and permeability, facilitating role blurring, or boundarylessness. We interpretively explored three research questions pertaining to entrepreneurs’ perceptions of their work–life interface and boundaries between roles, as well as the context factors that could explain these perceptions. Findings suggest that several subjective as well as objective factors could explain how entrepreneurial work is sometimes experienced as conflicting, and at other times, perceived as conducive to balance. Theoretical and practical implications and recommendations as well as study limitations are discussed in closing.

Study-work-life balance of international students in the context of temporal boundaries

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-79
Author(s):  
Megan O'Mahony ◽  
Debora Jeske
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Boundary Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Time Zone ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Personal Challenges

The goal of this qualitative study was to examine the experience of study-work-life balance among international students who were separated from their family both geographically and temporally. Using 10 semi-structured interviews with postgraduate students and thematic analysis, several themes were identified. These included boundary management shifts due to study/work demands and time zone differences. In addition, students reported social and personal challenges (in terms of family’s expectations, relationships maintenance, socialization in host country). Temporal boundaries contributed to social withdrawal and isolation among students, many of which were heavily reliant on their own family network for support. The findings strengthen the argument that time difference impacts the boundary management and social experience of international students.

Tracking the search for an elusive work-life balance sweet spot: Nigerian insights on the lifestyle challenges of female doctors

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Support ◽  
Family Life ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Sweet Spot ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper highlights the 90-plus hour weeks worked by Nigerian female doctors in an under-resourced health system, at the detriment of their family life. They use coping strategies for their grueling life schedule, such as employing uneducated “house-helps” to care for their children, inviting family members to move in with them to provide informal childcare, and seeking emergency emotional support from sympathetic colleagues as a way of enduring stress. This extreme negative spillover between home and work responsibilities risks exhausted doctors making mistakes, and has driven many to seek a better work-life balance in western countries. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Boundary Management Preferences, Boundary Control, and Work-Life Balance among Full-Time Employed Professionals in Knowledge-Intensive, Flexible Work

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christin Mellner ◽  
Gunnar Aronsson ◽  
Göran Kecklund
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Control ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Boundary Management ◽  
Flexible Work ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Management Preferences

Profound changes are taking place within working life, where established boundaries between work and personal life are challenged by increased global competition, ever-faster changing markets, and rapid development of boundary transcending information and communication technologies (ICT). The aim of this study was to investigate boundary management preferences in terms of keeping work and personal life domains separated or integrated, that is, segmenting or blending of domains, the perception of being in control of one´s preferred boundaries, and work-life balance among employees at a Swedish telecom company (N = 1,238, response rate 65%, men 73%, mean age 42 years). Psychosocial work factors, individual characteristics, sociodemographic factors, and work-life balance were investigated in relation to boundary management preferences and perceived boundary control. For high boundary control among segmenters, nearly all the studied psychosocial work factors were significant. Among integrators, this was the case only for clear expectations in work. For both groups, the individual capacity for self-regulation was associated with high boundary control. Regarding sociodemographic factors, cohabiting women with children who preferred segmentation had low boundary control. Finally, there was a main effect of boundary control on work-life balance. In particular, male segmenters perceiving high boundary control had better work-life balance than all others. Conclusions of the study are that segmenters need external boundaries in work for succesful boundary management. Moreover, self-regulation seems a crucial boundary competence in knowledge- intensive, flexible work. Results are of value for health promotion in modern work organizations in supporting employees achieving successful boundary control and subsequent work-life balance.

Impact of work–life balance with the role of organizational support and job burnout on project performance

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Irfan ◽  
Raja Abubakar Khalid ◽  
Syyed Sami Ul Haq Kaka Khel ◽  
Ahsen Maqsoom ◽  
Imran Khan Sherani
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Job Burnout ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the impact of work–life balance on project performance with mediating role of job burnout and moderating role of organizational support and what are the indirect effects of work–life balance on project performance via organizational support. For quantifying this effect, regression analysis has been used, and to calculate variable mediation, moderation and conditional process analysis, Model of Preacher and Hayes has been utilized.Design/methodology/approachFour variables and 23 measurement items have been extracted from published literature. Further, data collection for this research study has been conducted through the “Questionnaire” technique. The questionnaire has been developed based on previously established questions available in the literature. Finally, to obtain a more objective assessment, a statistical model is developed, and regression analysis is performed to highlight the most significant variables that impact the project performance.FindingsThe results of the study show that work–life balance harmed project performance, and organizational support was putting the main impact on project performance. Moreover, the findings of the study include the positive association of job burnout with project performance. And a total mediation effect was observed between work–life balance and project performance, through the bootstrapping results.Practical implicationsThe authors have found that the theoretical model got practical implications, both for the managers and the organization involved in the project. The first implication is that adopting suitable work–life balance practices will be beneficial and support professionals working on projects. Professionals engaged in projects, both at managerial and team levels, are exposed to work–life balance resulting from work performance and personal life responsibilities. The empirical results revealed conflicts came across due to poor time management, and these conflicts have adverse effects on personal and professional commitments. It should be one of the basic considerations for project-based organizations, to make available ample time for the professionals to be with their families.Originality/valueThis study has enabled the authors to understand the work–life balance, organizational support and job burnout and how these variables affect project performance via their relationship as described in a theoretical framework. Furthermore, this research contributes toward the field by considering different ways to balance the work–family conflicts by examining the effects of work–life balance on Job Burnout and Project Performance. This study brought some significant insights and one of its kind in the developing countries and adds to the existing body of knowledge by developing a regression model that will help decision makers and top management to further enhance their project performance.

scholarly journals Occupational and Individual Determinants of Work-life Balance among Office Workers with Flexible Work Arrangements

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Bjärntoft ◽  
David M. Hallman ◽  
Svend Erik Mathiassen ◽  
Johan Larsson ◽  
Helena Jahncke
Keyword(s):  
Job Demands ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Boundary Management ◽  
Flexible Work Arrangements ◽  
Flexible Work ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Work Arrangements ◽  
Overtime Work

Flexible work arrangements permitting workers to work anytime and anywhere are increasingly common. This flexibility can introduce both challenges and opportunities for the organisation, as well as for worker work-life balance (WLB). This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the extent to which occupational factors (organizational, leadership and psychosocial) and individual work-related behaviours (over-commitment, overtime work and boundary management) are associated with WLB, and whether these associations are modified by the perceived level of flexibility at work (i.e., control over when, where, and how to do the work). In total, 2960 full-time office workers with flexible work arrangements at the Swedish Transport Administration participated. Associations were determined using linear regression analyses with adjustment for covariates. The strongest negative associations with WLB were found for over-commitment, quantitative job demands, expectations of availability, and overtime work. Strongest positive associations were found for boundary management, information about organizing work, social support, and relation-oriented leadership. Perceived flexibility was positively associated with WLB, and interacted with several of the examined factors, buffering their negative associations with WLB. Results suggest that WLB can be promoted by organizational initiatives focusing on minimizing excessive job demands, increasing psychosocial resources, supporting boundary management, and enhancing perceived flexibility.

Inspiring teams to go the extra mile

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 40-42
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Michael Tobin, author of Forget Strategy. Get Results. Design/methodology/approach – Interview. Findings – This paper discusses his background, his management style and explains his use of unconventional techniques to get the most out of his team. Practical implications – A divergent viewpoint is offered on how to inspire teams to maximize effectiveness. Originality/value – Tobin’s stance on issues such as work–life balance, and vision vs strategy has been outlined.

More work and less play

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-24
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Increased use of technology in the workplace is enabling greater flexibility to working schedules. However, this is negatively impacting on work-life balance. With the creation of appropriate policies, practitioners can alleviate the detrimental effects and ensure that technology is used in ways that have more positive consequences for both employee and firm. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals PRACTITIONER SUMMARY Implications of Employee Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance in Accounting Firms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua A. Khavis ◽  
Jagan Krishnan ◽  
Colin Tipton
Keyword(s):  
Employee Satisfaction ◽  
Employee Retention ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Accounting Firms ◽  
Employee Recruitment ◽  
Practical Implications

This article summarizes and reflects on the implications of the published study “Employee Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance in Accounting Firms and Audit Quality” (Khavis and Krishnan 2021), which examines the link between employee satisfaction, work-life balance, and audit quality within accounting firms. The study uses employee-level reviews from Glassdoor.com to examine how accounting firms are perceived by their employees, and tests whether accounting firms’ workplace characteristics explain employee satisfaction and audit quality. We briefly summarize the findings of this study and highlight relevant practical implications related to audit quality, employee recruitment, and employee retention, which may interest practitioners, regulators, and academics.

scholarly journals Work-Life Balance: The Good and the Bad of Boundary Management

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leduc C. ◽  
Houlfort N. ◽  
Bourdeau S.
Keyword(s):  
Family Conflict ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Boundary Management ◽  
Work Family Conflict ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Family Work ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Work Family Enrichment ◽  
Family Enrichment

<p>Work-life balance is an important issue in today’s world and the different strategies used by people to manage their work and their personal life can have a great impact. Two studies were conducted (study 1: n = 117; study 2: n = 293) to examine how boundary segmentation preferences (studies 1 &amp; 2) and boundary integration strategies (study 2) affect work-family conflict and enrichment. Results from structural equation modeling partly confirmed the hypothetical model in both studies. Study 1 showed that work-home segmentation preference negatively predicted work-family enrichment, while home-work segmentation preference negatively predicted family-work enrichment. Study 2 provided similar results, as it showed that work-home segmentation preference negatively predicted work-family enrichment. It also showed that work-home segmentation preference positively predicted work-family conflict and home-work segmentation preference positively predicted work-family enrichment, while work-life integration strategy positively predicted work-family conflict, family-work conflict, work-family enrichment and family-work enrichment. No significant relationship was found between life-work integration strategy and any of the dependent variables. Findings from these studies highlight the importance of using appropriate boundary management strategies in order to promote a better work-life balance. They also enhance current knowledge related to boundary management and work-life balance by examining relationships with work-family enrichment.</p>

Tribal women’s work-life balance: an dentity-based approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Koel Nath ◽  
Rohit Dwivedi
Keyword(s):  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Home Life ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Identity Based ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine the work-life balance (WLB) experiences of tribal working women belonging to the matrilineal Khasi and Jaintia communities of Meghalaya, India, using an identity-based approach. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews conducted with 18 tribal women working in the formal sector helped generate descriptions of the subjective subliminal tensions they experienced in their efforts to balance work and home life. Findings Six key themes emerged: webs of role-based responsibilities; reframing family around work; revising self-identity through work; challenges and coping tactics; traditional community influences on management of work and home life; and enacting womanhood as problem-solving. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the literature on women and WLB in that it expands the theoretical understanding of the impact of identity work on women’s WLB. Practical implications A healthy WLB is crucial for enhanced intrinsic motivation and consequently women’s psychological empowerment and career satisfaction. This has important social and practical implications for enriching tribal women’s quality of life in India and facilitating their contribution towards the betterment of their communities and the economy at large. To this end, policymakers should launch awareness campaigns pertaining to tribal women’s WLB, to aid organizations in rolling-out contextually relevant work-life management programmes for these women. Originality/value This study extends an identity-based approach as a general theory of the self to examine matrilineal tribal women's WLB construction as a distinct form of “doing” and “being”.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document