A Comparative Test of Work-Family Conflict Models and Critical Examination of Work-Family Linkages
- Source: Journal of Vocational Behavior, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 25 December 2008
- Jesse S., Michel , Jacqueline K., Mitchelson , Lindsey M., Kotrba , James M., LeBreton , Boris B., Baltes
This paper is a comprehensive meta-analysis of over 20 years of work-family conflict research. A series of path analyses were conducted to compare and contrast existing work-family conflict models, as well as a new model we developed which integrates and synthesizes current work-family theory and research. This new model accounted for 40% of the variance in job satisfaction, 38% of the variance in family satisfaction, and 35% of the variance in life satisfaction. In a critical examination of work-family linkages, a series of analyses excluding work-family conflict constructs and pathways resulted in a well-fitting and more parsimonious model that still accounted for 39% of the variance in job satisfaction, 37% of the variance in family satisfaction, and 33% of the variance in life satisfaction. Results indicate that direct effects drive work-family conflict models while indirect effects provide little incremental explanation in regards to satisfaction outcomes.
