Policies that make a difference: bridging the gender equity and work-family gap in academia

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight interventions that promote female (and male) faculty’s ability to balance work-family issues at a specific academic institution, in response to a demand in the literature that examines the intersection between research and implementation of organizational policies within a university setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study framework, the researchers present qualitative experiences and quantitative data to evaluate the successful application of a work-family balance and organizational climate improvement initiative within an academic setting.

Findings

By highlighting specific examples of work-family and climate initiatives at the individual, organization, and community levels, this case study presents several ways in which academic institutions specifically, and organizations generally, can implement policies that make a difference.

Practical implications

Successful implementation of work-family balance and family-friendly organizational policies can positively impact employees.

Originality/value

Our goal is to highlight and provide data showing a specific example of how female (and male) faculty members’ experiences can be (and have been) improved in a prototype institution.

Citation

O'Brien, K.R., Martinez, L.R., Ruggs, E.N., Rinehart, J. and Hebl, M.R. (2015), "Policies that make a difference: bridging the gender equity and work-family gap in academia", Gender in Management, Vol. 30 No. 5, pp. 414-426. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-02-2014-0013