Be Careful What You Ask For: Structuration Theory and Work/Life Accommodation

Abstract

An analysis of 96 employee requests for accommodation revealed the rules and resources that govern the negotiation of work/life issues in organizations. Using Giddens' structuration theory, the authors identified six rules and three resources commonly employed in seeking assistance in achieving work/life balance and identified ways that these rules and resources reproduce and challenge the system. Implications for managers, employees, and researchers are discussed.

Keywords:

• Grounded Theory
• Structuration Theory
• Work/Life Integration

A previous version of this manuscript was presented on the Organizational and Professional Division's Top Paper panel at the 2007 Central States Communication Association Annual Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mary F. Hoffman

Mary F. Hoffman (PhD, University of Kansas, 2000) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Renee L. Cowan

Renee L. Cowan (PhD, Texas A&M University, 2009) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Texas at San Antonio.