The Quest for Work and Family Balance Using Flexible Work Arrangements

209 Pages·2015·1.16 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2015
The Quest for Work and Family Balance Using
Flexible Work Arrangements
Sandra Ellen Forris
Walden University
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Walden University

College of Management and Technology

This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by

Sandra Forris

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Salvatore Sinatra, Committee Chairperson, Management Faculty
Dr. Howard Schechter, Committee Member, Management Faculty
Dr. James Bowman, University Reviewer, Management Faculty

Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2015
Abstract
The Quest for Work and Family Balance Using Flexible Work Arrangements

by
Sandra E. Forris

MA, Baker College, 2004
BS, Wayne State University, 1994

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Applied Management and Decision Sciences

Walden University
August 2015
Abstract
Employees experience challenges managing home and work. The increase of
women in the workforce, single-parents, childcare, elder care responsibilities, and
men in nontraditional roles warrant changes in traditional working hours and
flexibility in work schedules. Through the theoretical frameworks of work-family
conflict, spillover, border, and boundary theories, the purpose of this
phenomenological study was to explore how flexible work arrangements (FWAs)
assisted employees in meeting work and family obligations. Minimal research is
available in the defense industry and the use of FWAs. A nonprobability,
convenience sample was used to explore how management and nonmanagement
participants from a Midwest defense contractor used FWAs. An online
questionnaire consisting of 59 questions and 14 face-to-face (FTF) interviews
were used to collect data. There were 27 participants that responded to all online
questions. FTF interviews were audio recorded and member-checked. The
research questions were focused on how employees used FWAs and whether
work-family balance (WFB) was achieved. Both data collection media were
transcribed and inductively coded tracking emerging themes and patterns.
Dominant themes showed that FWA increased WFB, employees worked longer
hours, employees were loyal to the organization, and telecommuting was the ideal
FWA. The implications for social change are providing a realistic view to
employers on the importance of balancing work and family. FWAs are also
shown to contribute to employee satisfaction and attract and retain highly-skilled
workers.
The Quest for Work and Family Balance Using Flexible Work Arrangements

by
Sandra E. Forris

MA, Baker College, 2004
BS, Wayne State University, 1994

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Applied Management and Decision Sciences

Walden University
August 2015
Dedication

I dedicate this dissertation to all the families that struggle with the challenges of
meeting family and work obligations. In today’s society, we can become overwhelmed
with so many daily responsibilities. It is my hope that the information contained in this
dissertation will assist families and employers with making life’s daily challenges more
manageable.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to my wonderful family and friends who listened and encouraged me
throughout my doctoral journey. There are too many names to list, but you know who
you are! My sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the individuals who took part in this
study; your support was invaluable.
I would also like to thank Dr. Salvatore Sinatra and Dr. Howard Schechter who
provided so much knowledge and scholarship and led me through the processes with such
ease. You will always have my sincere gratitude. Thank you also to Dr. James Bowman,
URR, who made sure I got it right!
My special thanks to the rocks and constants in my life. My wonderful daughters,
India and Alexis, and my soul mate David. Thank you for handling the family
responsibilities and all your encouragement and support. I could not have done it without
your understanding and patience. I also thank my grandson Amir whose smile reflects a
light that guided me through the darkness. I love you all.
Finally, as always, I thank my Lord and Savior for continued blessings and
making it all possible.
Table of Contents
List of Tables .................................................................................................................... vii
List of Exhibits ................................................................................................................. viii
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1
Family Interference with Work and Work Interference with Family ............................3
Background ....................................................................................................................6
Problem Statement .........................................................................................................9
Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................11
Research Questions ......................................................................................................12
Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................13
Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................15
Definition of Terms......................................................................................................16
Assumptions .................................................................................................................18
Limitations of the Study...............................................................................................19
Significance of the Study ............................................................................................21
Summary ......................................................................................................................22
Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................24
Introduction ...............................................................................................................24
Work-Family Balance (WFB) Defined .....................................................................26
Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs)......................................................................28
Adverse Effects of FWAs .........................................................................................30
Recent Research ........................................................................................................31
Low-Wage Workers ..................................................................................................36
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WFB Theories ...........................................................................................................37
Spillover Theory .......................................................................................................37
Boundary Theory ......................................................................................................38
Border Theory ...........................................................................................................39
Work-Family Conflict (WFC) Theory ......................................................................41
Women and WFB .....................................................................................................44
Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Roles of Women ....................................................46
Generations X and Y .................................................................................................50
Related Research and Literature ...............................................................................51
Gaps in the Literature..........................................................................................51
Summary ...................................................................................................................53
Chapter 3: Methodology ....................................................................................................55
Introduction ...............................................................................................................55
Qualitative Method: Phenomenology .......................................................................56
The Researcher’s Role ..............................................................................................57
Methodology .............................................................................................................58
Participant Recruitment ............................................................................................59
Population Sample and Sample Size.........................................................................61
Data Collection Instruments .....................................................................................62
Data Collection and Verification ..............................................................................64
Data Analysis ............................................................................................................66
Data Storage ..............................................................................................................68
Validity and Reliability .............................................................................................68
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Credibility .................................................................................................................68
Rationale for the Study .............................................................................................70
Confidentiality and Ethical Consideration ................................................................72
Summary ...................................................................................................................73
Chapter 4: Findings ............................................................................................................75
Introduction ..................................................................................................................75
Participant Background ................................................................................................75
Recruitment ..................................................................................................................79
Limitations of Participant Selection.............................................................................80
Methodology and Instrumentation ...............................................................................81
Data Collection ............................................................................................................81
Summary of Findings ...................................................................................................82
Online Questionnaire Results ................................................................................82
Face-to-Face Interview Demographics ..................................................................83
Face-to-Face Interview Results..............................................................................84
Data Analysis and Interpretation .................................................................................99
Key Findings ........................................................................................................101
Emerging Themes ................................................................................................102
Strategies Employed to Ensure Quality Data .............................................................104
Links to the Literature ................................................................................................105
Spillover Theory ..................................................................................................105
Work-Family Conflict ..........................................................................................107
Boundary Theory .................................................................................................108
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