A Study of Work-Family Conflict Among IT Professionals: Job Characteristics, Individual Values, and Management Practices

Abstract

In this study, we develop a model that explains the work-family conflict experienced by IT professionals. We propose two major sources of work-family conflict: the structure of work and individual mindsets toward work. Furthermore, we examine beliefs about the employer that can diminish work-family conflict. We test our hypotheses using data gathered from 126 IT professionals. Our model explains more than 45% of the variance in work-family conflict. Our findings suggest: (1) skill variety requirements increase work-family conflict, (2) work ethic positively relates to work-family conflict, (3) leisure ethic negatively relates to work-family conflict, and (4) professionalism has mixed effects on work-family conflict. Finally, we found that when IT professionals perceive high levels of job security and are satisfied with supervision, work-family conflict diminishes. The study concludes with implications for research and practice.

Keywords:

• IS workforce
• work-family conflict
• job characteristics
• motivation
• professionalism
• work ethic
• leisure ethic
• turnover

Notes

¹ Per reviewer request, we investigated a potential quadratic relationship between autonomy and work-family conflict. A scatterplot of autonomy and work-family conflict revealed no clear relationship and regression analysis was non-significant.

² We also investigated a potential quadratic relationship between skill variety and work-family conflict. A scatterplot suggested a primarily linear relationship. Regression analysis also did not support a non-linear relationship.