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The Macro-Environment and Work-Family Conflict

Development of a Cross Cultural Comparative Framework

University of Texas El Paso, USA, jjoplin{at}utep.edu

Margaret A. Shaffer

Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, shaffer{at}hkbu.edu.hk

Anne Marie Francesco

Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, mnamf{at}hkbu.edu.hk

Theresa Lau

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, mstheres{at}polyu.edu.hk

Using data from focus groups in five countries (China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Singapore, and the United States), we identified macro-level influences on the work-family interface across the countries. Because macro-level influences are rarely investigated in work-family interface research, we sought to understand the nature of the influence and to guide future research in this area of inquiry. Using archival data, we viewed (changes in) economic, social, technological and legal factors across the five countries to explain differences and similarities associated with managing the work and family domains. Based on our integration of archival statistics and qualitative data grounded in the real experiences of employees in each of the five countries, we developed a general framework that can be applied to understanding work-family conflict across cultures. Our preliminary evidence indicates that changes in macro-level factors that are in greater conflict with cultural values lead to higher levels of stress and work-family conflict.

Key Words: cross cultural • life balance • macro-environment • qualitative • work-family

International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, Vol. 3, No. 3, 305-328 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/1470595803003003004


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