Influence of internal and external environmental factors on employee work-life balance: a multilevel analysis

David Pillai, Gratien (2014). Influence of internal and external environmental factors on employee work-life balance: a multilevel analysis. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Notwithstanding the attempt to capture a universal definition of 'work-life balance', the view of WLB as a subjective concept seems to hold merit. To understand what constitutes WLB or what influences subjective perceptions and experiences of WLB, one must interpret it through the lens of individuals who enact it every day. This thesis adopted a multilevel approach to examine employees' subjective perceptions of work-life balance among the three dimensions of influence: organisational policy framework and line manager support(internal environment) and economic climate (external environment). Employee's work context as reflected by the employee role and departmental type was also considered. 82 employees participated in this study (semi-structured interviews), ensuring range and richness of data. The findings of this study led to a conceptual model that illustrates how internal and external environmental factors influence employees' perceptions and experiences of WLB. The impact if these factors was not universal but differed based on employee context. The study also demonstrates that with negative economic changes, organisational support for WLB as well as individual perceptions of WLB undergo change, further establishing the idea of WLB as a subjective concept.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):