Work cultures and work/family balance

This study examined the relations between three aspects of work culture (fl exibility of working hours, flexibility of the work itself, and supportive supervision) and work/ family balance in the context of selected characteri stics that can put individuals at risk for work/family imbalance (dual care er partnerships, number of children, and hours worked per week). The data c ame from 179 individuals in a wide variety of family situations and workpla ces. Results of the study indicated that the flexibility of tile work itsel f was associated with increased work satisfaction and increased family well -being. Flexibility of work times was unassociated with any work or persona l outcome. Supportive supervision was associated only with increased employ ee citizenship. An examination of interactive effects between aspects of cu lture and individuals' characteristics showed that work/family balance was lower when employees had a large number of children and supportive supervis ion. (C) 2001 Academic Press.