Megan M. Walsh, Erica Carleton, Mikaila Ortynsky, Ellen Choi, Amanda J. Hancock and Kara A. Arnold
We investigate how mindfulness can help women leaders manage the work–home conflict using boundary theory. In this daily diary study, we examine daily levels of mindfulness as an…
Abstract
Purpose
We investigate how mindfulness can help women leaders manage the work–home conflict using boundary theory. In this daily diary study, we examine daily levels of mindfulness as an antecedent to daily self-control and perceptions of work–home conflict. We propose that higher levels of daily mindfulness act as a personal resource that fosters self-control capacity, and this leads to a greater ability to manage work–home conflict.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 86 women enrolled in a 30-day online mindfulness training program and completed daily surveys after each daily mindfulness training session. Data was analysed using the multilevel structural equation modelling.
Findings
Results demonstrate that higher levels of daily mindfulness predict lower levels of daily work–home interference, and this relationship is mediated by self-control. This research supports the role of mindfulness through self-control on work–home conflict for women in leadership. Given the relatively high workforce participation among women with caregiving responsibilities, identifying resources that can be cultivated in order to enable more women to stay engaged in the workforce shows promise.
Originality/value
This study adds to the nascent literature of gendered mental health and well-being in leadership. Notably, women leaders often play a supportive role for employees and co-workers. Our findings suggest mindfulness training can be a useful tool to increase self-control resources in times of crises to mitigate the work–home conflict.
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Megan M. Walsh, Erica L. Carleton, Julie Ziemer and Mikaila Ortynsky
The purpose of this study was to examine whether remote work moderates the mediated relationship between leadership behavior (transformational leadership and leader incivility)…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine whether remote work moderates the mediated relationship between leadership behavior (transformational leadership and leader incivility), followers' self-control, and work-life balance.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a three-wave, time lagged study of 338 followers. Drawing on social information processing theory, a moderated mediation model was proposed: it was hypothesized that remote work strengthens the relationship between leadership behavior (transformational leadership and leader incivility), follower self-control, and subsequent work-life balance (moderated mediation). The theoretical model was tested using OLS regression in SPSS.
Findings
The results show that working remotely strengthens the mediated relationships between leadership behavior, self-control, and work-life balance.
Practical implications
Organizations need to consider the interaction between remote work and leadership. Leader behaviors have a stronger relationship with follower self-control and work-life balance when the frequency of remote work is higher, so it is important to increase transformational leadership and reduce leader incivility in remote contexts. Leadership training programs and respectful workplace initiatives should be considered.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates the importance of leader behaviors for followers' self-control and work-life balance in relation to remote work. This study is the first to examine the boundary condition of remote work in relation to leadership behavior, follower self-control, and work-life balance.
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Amaya Erro-Garcés, Angel Belzunegui-Eraso, María Inmaculada Pastor Gosálbez and Antonio López Peláez