Type of Publication: | Journal article |
URI (citable link): | http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:352-238957 |
Author: | Schütter, Heike; Boerner, Sabine |
Year of publication: | 2013 |
Published in: | Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research ; 1 (2013), 1. - pp. 46-71. - ISSN 2049-8799 |
DOI (citable link): | https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JGM-09-2012-0012 |
Summary: |
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the perception of the work-family interface in an expatriation context. Furthermore, potential antecedents of work-family enrichment and work-family conflict in the work as well as in the family domain are identified and potential gender differences in perceptions sought. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory approach was adopted. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 15 expatriates and repatriates that were analysed using content analysis. Findings Work-to-family conflict was perceived as a time-based conflict, whereas family-to-work conflict was perceived as an energy-based conflict. Work-family enrichment (i.e. work-to-family; family-to-work) was perceived as a transfer of skills and mood. Furthermore, at least in an expatriation context, the work-family interface is reflected in more reciprocal influences than are currently presented in existing concepts. In total, four potential antecedents of work-family interaction were identified: social support at work; development opportunities at work; family social support; and family adjustment. Finally, gender differences in the perception of the work-family interface could be revealed. Research limitations/implications First, the interviews were analysed solely by one person; consequently, inter-rater-reliability could not be tested. Second, a direct relationship between each potential antecedent and work-family interaction can only be hypothesized. Practical implications The findings enable companies to implement support strategies that foster a positive interaction between the work and the family domain which, in turn, will enhance expatriation success. Originality/value The study provides one of the first exploratory examinations of the perception of the complete work-family interface in an expatriation context. Furthermore, this is one of the few studies that include female and male international assignees in the sample and therefore can give a balanced perspective of the work-family interface among male and female assignees. |
Subject (DDC): | 320 Politics |
Link to License: | In Copyright |
Bibliography of Konstanz: | Yes |
SCHÜTTER, Heike, Sabine BOERNER, 2013. Illuminating the work-family interface on international assignments : An exploratory approach. In: Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research. 1(1), pp. 46-71. ISSN 2049-8799. Available under: doi: 10.1108/JGM-09-2012-0012
@article{Schutter2013Illum-23895, title={Illuminating the work-family interface on international assignments : An exploratory approach}, year={2013}, doi={10.1108/JGM-09-2012-0012}, number={1}, volume={1}, issn={2049-8799}, journal={Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research}, pages={46--71}, author={Schütter, Heike and Boerner, Sabine} }
Schuetter_238957.pdf | 492 |