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A Cross-National Study on the Antecedents of Work–Life Balance from the Fit and Balance Perspective

Author

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  • Jarrod M. Haar

    (Auckland University of Technology)

  • Albert Sune

    (Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, ESEIAAT)

  • Marcello Russo

    (University of Bologna
    KEDGE Business School)

  • Ariane Ollier-Malaterre

    (Université du Québec A Montréal (UQAM))

Abstract

Drawing on the perceived work–family fit and balance perspective, this study investigates demands and resources as antecedents of work–life balance (WLB) across four countries (New Zealand, France, Italy and Spain), so as to provide empirical cross-national evidence. Using structural equation modelling analysis on a sample of 870 full time employees, we found that work demands, hours worked and family demands were negatively related to WLB, while job autonomy and supervisor support were positively related to WLB. We also found evidence that resources (job autonomy and supervisor support) moderated the relationships between demands and work–life balance, with high resources consistently buffering any detrimental influence of demands on WLB. Furthermore, our study identified additional predictors of WLB that were unique to some national contexts. For example, in France and Italy, overtime hours worked were negatively associated with WLB, while parental status was positively associated with WLB. Overall, the implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Jarrod M. Haar & Albert Sune & Marcello Russo & Ariane Ollier-Malaterre, 2019. "A Cross-National Study on the Antecedents of Work–Life Balance from the Fit and Balance Perspective," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 142(1), pages 261-282, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:142:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-018-1875-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-018-1875-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Michal Biron & Hilla Peretz & Keren Turgeman-Lupo, 2020. "Trait Optimism and Work from Home Adjustment in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Considering the Mediating Role of Situational Optimism and the Moderating Role of Cultural Optimism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-21, November.
    3. Jarrod Haar & Annamaria Di Fabio & Urs Daellenbach, 2019. "Does Positive Relational Management Benefit Managers Higher Up the Hierarchy? A Moderated Mediation Study of New Zealand Managers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-15, August.
    4. Virginia Navajas-Romero & Antonio Ariza-Montes & Felipe Hernández-Perlines, 2020. "Analyzing the Job Demands-Control-Support Model in Work-Life Balance: A Study among Nurses in the European Context," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-17, April.
    5. Kellyann Berube Kowalski & Alex Aruldoss & Bhuvaneswari Gurumurthy & Satyanarayana Parayitam, 2022. "Work-From-Home Productivity and Job Satisfaction: A Double-Layered Moderated Mediation Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-29, September.
    6. Ka Po Wong & Alan Hoi Shou Chan, 2021. "Exploration of the Socioecological Determinants of Hong Kong Workers’ Work-Life Balance: A Grounded Theory Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-15, October.
    7. Fabian Onyekachi Ugwu & Ibeawuchi K. Enwereuzor & Jens Mazei, 2023. "Is Working from Home a Blessing or a Burden? Home Demands as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Work Engagement and Work-Life Balance," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 18(1), pages 341-364, February.

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