Meaningfulness as a Predictor of Work-Family Balance, Enrichment, and Conflict

Jennifer D. Bragger (), Sydney Reeves, Margaret J. Toich, Eugene Kutcher, Alexandra Lawlor, Quinn E. Knudsen and Daniel Simonet
Additional contact information
Jennifer D. Bragger: Montclair State University
Sydney Reeves: Montclair State University
Margaret J. Toich: University of Tulsa
Eugene Kutcher: Rider University
Alexandra Lawlor: Montclair State University
Quinn E. Knudsen: Montclair State University
Daniel Simonet: Montclair State University

Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2021, vol. 16, issue 3, No 7, 1043-1071

Abstract: Abstract There are arguably great benefits when employees experience a sense of meaning across life domains. The current study examined whether meaningfulness of work and family predicts one’s tendency to manage work/life outcomes. A total of 386 participants reported the sense of meaningfulness they derived from work and family responsibilities. Analyses explored how individuals’ relative ratings of work and family meaningfulness, as well as the similarity of these perceptions with those of their partners, affect work-family conflict, balance, and enrichment. Results showed that meaningfulness of work influences all work-family outcomes while intra-personal congruence in work and home predicts more work enrichment of family and less strain-based work-family conflict. Congruence between partners work meaning further predicted less strain and behavior based work-family conflict and less work-family balance. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and future directions offered.

Keywords: Meaningfulness of work; Meaningfulness of family; Work-family balance; Work-family enrichment; Work-family conflict; Partner differences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s11482-019-09796-z

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