Perspectives on Work-Family Conflict in Sport: An Integrated Approach

Abstract

The overall literature concerning work-family conflict is growing rapidly, but has failed to incorporate multiple theoretical levels. Instead, researchers have examined the construct from either an individual, structural, or social relations perspective. Investigation of work-family conflict by integrating multiple theoretical levels provides valuable insights regarding the processes and products of work-family conflict, as well as the larger structural and social meanings behind work, family and their interface. Further, sport offers an ideal context for the study of work-family conflict due to the long, non-traditional work hours and significant travel. This article reviews three commonly used theoretical approaches to the study of work-family conflict—individual, structural, and social relations. It then demonstrates within a sport context how the three approaches can be integrated both from a top-down and a bottom-up perspective to better understand the causes, consequences, and interpretation of work-family conflict as an individual experience bounded by and shaped in organisational and social realities.

Key words:

• work-family balance
• organisational behaviour
• organisational policy