Work cultures and work/family balance

This study examined the relations between three aspects of work culture (flexibility of working hours, flexibility of the work itself, and supportive supervision) and work/ family balance in the context of selected characteristics that can put individuals at risk for work/family imbalance (dual career partnerships, number of children, and hours worked per week). The data came from 179 individuals in a wide variety of family situations and workplaces. Results of the study indicated that the flexibility of the work itself was associated with increased work satisfaction and increased family well-being. Flexibility of work times was unassociated with any work or personal outcome. Supportive supervision was associated only with increased employee citizenship. An examination of interactive effects between aspects of culture and individuals' characteristics showed that work/family balance was lower when employees had a large number of children and supportive supervision. (C) 2001 Academic Press.