Critical Factors of Work-Family Linkage: An Application of Lens Model to Generate Indigenous Dimensions

Abstract

The present study used the lens model to generate idiographic data in the context of individual judgement of work-family conflict/harmony. This model takes an individual's differential dependence on various cues in a social judgement situation into account. Thirty females and 30 males participated in the two sessions of the study. Each participant was presented with 25 profiles. Each profile contained bar diagrams depicting differential magnitudes of harmony factors. The magnitude of each factor was systematically varied across profiles. Each participant was asked to examine a profile and indicate the extent of harmony experienced on a 20-point scale. This procedure was repeated for conflict factors. Child-related support emerged as the most significantfactor. Emotional supportfrom spouse and clarity ofdivision of duties were moderately significant. Temperamental differences betweenpartners was a significant conflict-inducing criterion. Family demands and work obligations were significant for females only. Apart from generating relevant dimensions for the study of work- family linkages, the study also offered a possible framework of deriving indigenous parameters with the help of the lens model.