Work-Life Interface in Academic Society: Testing an Indigenous Conceptual Model

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

IHCS

Abstract

In the conditions of changing work culture, development of new technologies and socio-cultural requirements, we are witnessing the blurring of the boundaries of work and life. For example, less research can be found in the field of family studies that is not explicitly or implicitly affected by work and its demands. This research- focusing on knowledge occupations and their specific requirements- was conducted on the faculty members of the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies. The research began by examining a model that included two-way relationships with both negative and positive aspects of people's work life interface. Continuous mental engagement, multiplicity and diversity of work roles, spillover of negative / positive work / family attitudes, demanding family responsibilities, family support and caring, and improving life skills were the components of this model. Then a questionnaire containing the indicators of this framework was developed and distributed among the statistical sample. The model tested by structural equation modeling and PLS software and after deleting the items with low factor loading, the model was confirmed. Statistical tests of one sample, two samples and analysis of variance determined the current state of work life interface of faculty members based on demographic characteristics. The results of this part of the research showed that the average of work life conflict and at the same time, work life enrichment in the faculty members of the research institute is above the average level. Work life enrichment was significantly higher in women than men. Finally, the average level of work life conflict in assistant professors was higher than associate professor and professor. Summarizing the results of the study showed the emergence and occurrence of both positive and negative aspects of work and life relationships in academics.

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