Chapter 9 - Work-Related Outcomes of the Work-Family Interface: Why Organizations Should Care

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to review the existing literature regarding outcomes associated with the work–family interface. First it reviews, work-related outcomes pertaining to the “negative side” (i.e., work–family conflict). Then reviews outcomes associated with the “positive side” (i.e., work–family enhancement) of the work–family interface. Next, a summary of multinational studies is presented. Finally, a summary and critique of the literature, as well as directions for future research, are provided. Throughout the chapter, work-related outcomes are grouped into four categories: job attitudes, career outcomes, performance-related outcomes, and withdrawal behaviors and intentions. It emphasizes research linking work–family conflict (WFC) to work-related outcomes. It states the relationship between WFC and job satisfaction that has received a wealth of empirical investigation, with the vast majority of research, indicating that greater WFC relates to less job satisfaction. Differential relationships are also found across dimensions of WIE with behavior-based WIF demonstrating the strongest relationship with job satisfaction. It explores that research has supported a negative relationship between WFC and job satisfaction, using diverse samples and measures of WFC/job satisfaction. Although few researchers examined job satisfaction at the facet level, those that did uncovered differential relationships across dimensions. Thus, future research should continue to explore how relationships vary across facets of job satisfaction.