An Integrated Framework For The Conceptualisation and Empirical Analysis Of Work-Life Balance

Managing paid work alongside other parts of life has been the focus of research since the 1960s. The terminology has evolved and reflected the changing social, economic and workplace developments and issues that have occurred over the decades, with the worklife balance discourse beginning in the 1990s. Despite the exponential growth in worklife balance research and practice in recent years, the concept remains underdeveloped. The field is hindered by a lack of solid theoretical models and the absence of a psychometrically sound measure of work-life balance. In addition, very few studies have explored the factors that relate to the achievement of successful work-life balance. This research addresses the limitations identified above and is guided by a relevant framework that incorporates two complementary lines of scholarship – demands-andresources theory and work-family interface theory. An integrated conceptualisation and theoretical model of work-life balance is proposed to answer the research questions: How do personal and environmental characteristics contribute to an individual’s perception of work-life balance and to its consequences? and What are the strategies used by individuals who perceive themselves as having successful work-life balance? Consideration is given to the various aspects of work-life balance: personal and environmental contributing factors (demands and resources), work-family interface indicators (conflict and facilitation), the measurement of perceived work-life balance and its relationship with a range of consequences for individuals and organisations (wellbeing, mental health, satisfaction and performance).Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2011