A meta-analytic review of family supportive supervisor behaviors (FSSBs): Work-family related antecedents, outcomes, and a theory-driven comparison of two mediating mechanisms

Abstract

This quantitative review systematically integrates the antecedents and outcomes of Family-Supportive Supervisor Behaviors (FSSBs) through bivariate meta-analysis and meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM). Utilizing data from 231 primary studies, which are drawn from 213 sources (N = 118, 100), we examined a set of hypotheses exploring the antecedents and consequences of FSSBs. We also conducted a comparative analysis of the explanatory power of two theoretical perspectives: the resource-based view (operationalized as work-family conflict and work-family enrichment) and the social-exchange perspective (operationalized as leader-member exchange relationship). Our results showed that the social-exchange perspective accounted for a greater proportion of FSSBs' impacts on work outcomes (i.e., in-role performance, and job satisfaction), while the resource-based perspective predominantly elucidates FSSBs' influence on employee wellbeing (i.e., burnout). In doing this, we unveiled nuanced insights into the nomological network surrounding FSSBs. Based on these results, we develop a future map for this growing body of research.