Ishret Fayaz and Farzana Gulzar
This study investigates how emotional and instrumental family support contribute to work-life balance (WLB) among women in higher education, with a particular focus on the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates how emotional and instrumental family support contribute to work-life balance (WLB) among women in higher education, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of self-efficacy and grit in enhancing this balance.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing a quantitative research design, the study employed a survey methodology to gather data from women employees. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the relationships among family support, self-efficacy, grit and work-life balance.
Findings
The results highlight the significant positive influence of both emotional and instrumental family support on work-life balance. Self-efficacy and grit serve as crucial mediators, both individually and through serial mediation, enhancing women employees' capacity to manage work and personal responsibilities effectively. The study underscores the importance of these psychological constructs in mediating the relationship between family support and work-life balance.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by providing a fresh perspective on work-life balance, particularly within the context of women in higher education. It is one of the few studies to examine the dual mediating roles of self-efficacy and grit, highlighting the distinct influence of emotional and instrumental support on WLB. The findings extend social cognitive theory and conservation of resources theory by demonstrating how internal psychological resources interact with external support to enhance well-being.
Details
Keywords
Jody Heymann, Bijetri Bose, Willetta Waisath, Amy Raub and Michael McCormack
There is substantial evidence of discrimination at work across countries and powerful evidence that antidiscrimination laws can make a difference. This study examines the extent…
Abstract
Purpose
There is substantial evidence of discrimination at work across countries and powerful evidence that antidiscrimination laws can make a difference. This study examines the extent of protections from discrimination at work in countries around the world and which groups were best covered.
Design/methodology/approach
This study assesses legal protections in hiring, pay, promotions/demotions, terminations and harassment for 13 different groups across 193 countries using a database the authors created based on analysis of labor codes, antidiscrimination legislation, equal opportunity legislation and penal codes. Differences in levels of protection were examined across social groups and areas of work, as well as by country income level using Chi-square tests.
Findings
Protection from gender and racial/ethnic discrimination at work was the most common, and protection across migrant status, foreign national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity was among the least. For all groups, discrimination was more often prohibited in hiring than in promotion/demotion. There was inconsistent protection from harassment and retaliation.
Research limitations/implications
Addressing discrimination at work will require a broad range of synergistic approaches including guaranteeing equal legal rights, implementation and enforcement of laws and norm change. This study highlights where legislative progress has been made and where major gaps remain.
Originality/value
This article presents findings from an original database containing the first data on laws to prevent discrimination in the workplace in all 193 countries around the world. The study analyzes legal protections for a wide range of groups and considers a full range of workplace protections.