Work at Home: Conflict and Compromise on the Use of Space

Abstract

This is a pilot study that examines the potential effects of home-based businesses (HBB) on space use, housing satisfaction, and housing adjustment or adaptation. Factors affecting the mix of HBB and family activities were measured by means of a mailed survey. From the 40 interviewed, 29 returned the survey; a response rate of 73 percent. All respondents were women from nonmetropolitan areas. The businesses were apparel, crafts, and home-fumishings related. Results indicate that family and business activities overlap in the home even when there is a separate space designated for business. This mixing of family and business activities is a source of household conflict and dissatisfaction. Households with a specific plan for sharing space between the business and family are less likely to have conflicts than those using an “on-demand” system. A theoretical model based on family housing-adjustment theory (Morris and Winter, 1978) suggests that HBBs conflict with the norm: separation of work and family. This conflict requires the adaptation or adjustment of both the house and the use of household space. These findings support the use of housing-adjustment theory as an appropriate model for the study of home-based businesses.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kathleen Parrott

Kathleen Parrott is an Associate Professor in the Department of Housing, Interior Design, and Resource Management at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

Rita Kean

Rita Kean is an Associate Professor and Interim Chair in the Department of Textiles, Clothing, and Design at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Shirley Niemeyer

Shirley Niemeyer is an Associate Professor in Textile, Clothing, and Design at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.