Work-family balance and cultural dimensions: from a developing nation perspective
ISSN: 0048-3486
Article publication date: 7 March 2016
Issue publication date: 7 March 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between cultural dimensions and the roots of work-family balance issues in a developing non-Western cultural context. Drawing upon Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, the study suggests national cultural dimensions can shape the roots of work-family balance.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was distributed among employees of 12 companies operating in the health industry. The survey collected both quantitative and qualitative data through two separate approaches: seven-point Likert scales and open-ended questions. The data were analyzed via thematic exploratory analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.
Findings
The quantitative data confirms the extant literature in relation to the negative effects of moonlighting, economic hardship and the absence of a comprehensive work-family balance strategy on employee work-family balance. The qualitative data proposes a new variable, weak social interaction, which becomes the most important roots of work-family imbalance at both work and family domain.
Practical implications
The present study suggests certain cultural dimensions such as high power distance hinders social interactions in the work and family domains, thereby increasing levels of work conflict, family conflict, and stress. Findings suggest organizations, especially multinationals, need to be cognizant of the role of cultural dimensions on human resource management practices related to work-family balance.
Originality/value
Very little literature addresses the impact of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions on work-family balance issues. The present study has contributed to the existing body of literature by introducing a new variable (weak social interaction) as an antecedent of work-family imbalance. Further, the study is the first in Iran that has collected qualitative data to investigate work-family balance issues.
Keywords
Citation
Farivar, F., Cameron, R. and Yaghoubi, M. (2016), "Work-family balance and cultural dimensions: from a developing nation perspective", Personnel Review, Vol. 45 No. 2, pp. 315-333. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-09-2014-0196
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited