A Study of Work–Family Enrichment among Chinese Employees: The Mediating Role between Work Support and Job Satisfaction

Abstract

This study adopted social exchange theory to investigate whether work‐to‐family enrichment functioned as a mediator between work support (supervisor support, co‐worker support, and organisational support) and job satisfaction among 543 employees in two cities in China. A series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) supported a 10‐item Work Support Scale measuring supervisor support, co‐worker support, and organisational support. Structural equation modelling (SEM) results showed that work‐to‐family enrichment fully mediated the association of supervisor support and organisational support with job satisfaction. Based on multiple group comparisons, the proposed model fit both genders and family types (single living with extended family vs. married living with family members). The critical ratios for parameter differences indicated that the relationship between work‐to‐family enrichment and job satisfaction was significantly stronger for females than for males. The implications of findings and directions for future research on work–family enrichment are discussed in the paper.