Baker College
Research Guides
Doctorate of Business Administration Graduates
Dr. Ashley Garr - Dissertation Abstract
D.B.A. Baker College (Michigan), 2013.
Specialization: Business; Management
Work/life policies: Employee preferences and the effects of policy underutilization
150 pages. UMI #: 3616304
Citation, Abstract & Full text in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database
Work/life fit is an issue growing in popularity in workplaces throughout the United States. There is a need and desire for flexibility in the workplace to help with work/life fit issues. Many companies are creating family-friendly policies; however, such policies are not being used due to employee workload. Companies may be creating policies aimed at work/life fit, yet the company culture may not allow certain flexibilities or accommodations. This qualitative study was guided by two research questions: What is the impact of flexible work arrangements that are preferred by employees to promote work/life fit? What are the effects on employees when work/life fit policies in organizations are underused? By understanding how employees feel and documenting differing perspectives on this issue, employers can examine the effects of imbalance and review their policies and company culture and adjust accordingly. The purpose of the study was to gain understanding of perceptions and preferences related to work/life policies and the effect policy underutilization has on employees. Data collection was based on telephone interviews using open-ended questions. Results showed that the most preferred flexible work arrangement was flextime, an option usually not written in company policies. Empathetic supervisors who try to work with employees when schedule conflicts arise was overwhelmingly preferred. A majority of the participants said they were happy with what their company was doing in terms of flexibility and that it was easy to manage their home and work life with this flexibility option. This study is significant because companies are faced with losing talented employees due to an inability to cope with the demands of balancing work and family.
Committee Members
- Susan D. Cathcart, Ph.D., Chair
- Bernice Folz, Ph.D.
- Peggy Houghton, Ph.D.