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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer D. Bragger & Sydney Reeves & Margaret J. Toich & Eugene Kutcher & Alexandra Lawlor & Quinn E. Knudsen & Daniel Simonet, 2021. "Meaningfulness as a Predictor of Work-Family Balance, Enrichment, and Conflict," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(3), pages 1043-1071, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:16:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s11482-019-09796-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-019-09796-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ruth Yeoman, 2014. "Conceptualising Meaningful Work as a Fundamental Human Need," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Meaningful Work and Workplace Democracy, chapter 1, pages 8-38, Palgrave Macmillan.
    2. Ruth Yeoman, 2014. "Conceptualising Meaningful Work as a Fundamental Human Need," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 125(2), pages 235-251, December.
    3. Christopher Michaelson & Michael Pratt & Adam Grant & Craig Dunn, 2014. "Meaningful Work: Connecting Business Ethics and Organization Studies," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 121(1), pages 77-90, April.
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    1. Arístides Alfredo Vara-Horna & Amparo Guadalupe Espinosa-Domínguez, 2023. "COVID-19 Disruption and Meaningful Work: The Mediating Role of Family–Work Conflict," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-18, March.
    2. A. Trillo & F. D. Bretones & R. Giuliano & A. Manuti, 2024. "Beyond occupational exhaustion: exploring the influence of positive meaningful work on teachers’ psychoemotional well-being in the digital age," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Amadeja Lamovšek & Matej Černe & Ivan Radević & Katerina Božič, 2023. "The Key to Work–Life Balance is (Enriched) Job Design? Three-Way Interaction Effects with Formalization and Adaptive Personality Characteristics," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 18(2), pages 647-676, April.
    4. Mariya A. Yukhymenko-Lescroart & Gitima Sharma, 2022. "Measuring Specific Purpose Orientations in Working Adults," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 17(3), pages 1615-1633, June.

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