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Intersecting work and family: The influence of relational beliefs and behaviors on work–family integration

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2015

Denise M Polk
Denise M Polk*
Affiliation:
Department of Communication Studies, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester PA, USA
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Abstract

Strategies to integrate work and family have caught the attention of organizations, institutions, academics and families, and many people are motivated to find ways to blend these two domains. Spillover theory, whose tenets surround the mutual influence of home and work, provides a useful framework for understanding better what contributes to achieving work–family integration. Although much of the existing research focuses on the negative influence of these domains, some evidence exists that they positively influence one another as well. This study uses hierarchical multiple regression to test hypotheses about relational identity on positive and negative work–family spillover and considers perceived spousal support and relational equity as moderators. Results reveal that perceived spousal support predicts positive spillover and that it moderates the relationship between relational identity and negative spillover. Other results are discussed as well as limitations and future directions.

Keywords

spilloverdual-career couplesrelational identityequitysocial supportwork–family integration
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , September 2008 , pp. 345 - 366
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2008

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