Boundary management in a boundaryless world

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship of flexible and permeable boundary management with both life domain conflict and life domain enrichment among expatriate workers.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes a sample of 199 expatriates working in a higher education context, and analyses survey data with hierarchical regression analysis and cluster analysis.FindingsRelationships between the permeability and the flexibility of life domains, and work-private life conflict, private life-work conflict, and work-private life enrichment were found. However, no significant results were obtained for the relationship between boundary management and private life-work enrichment. Two clusters of boundary management used by expatriates are described.Research limitations/implicationsDue to cross-sectional data, causal influences cannot be determined with confidence.Practical implicationsThe findings underscore the need to consider the role-related stakeholders of expatriates, especially in the private life domain. Implications for the support of expatriates based on the boundary management clusters are discussed.Originality/valueThis is the first study analysing boundary management distinguishing between flexibility and permeability in an expatriate context.