The Underlying Mechanism and Behavioural Outcomes of Working from Home During the Lockdown

Abstract

Purpose -This paper examines the implications of remote working on employees’ well-being during the COVID-19 lockdown. To this aim, we invoked boundary theory and source attribution perspective. We identified the underlying mechanisms and within-domain (i.e., family) behavioural outcomes when work and home are physically intertwined during the pandemic. Design-A theoretical model is proposed and empirically tested in a two-waves study of 141 university teachers in London, England (N = 282), who adapted remote working with computer-based assisted technology during the pandemic. Findings Our findings revealed that family-to-work interruption increases family-work conflict and the consequent spouse undermining behaviour. However, the extent to which employees engage in undermining behaviour at home depends on how these interruptions delay work goals achievement (Path A). In the alternative path, we observed that work interrupting during family time directly increases work-family conflict and is only partially explained by family goal obstruction (Path B). Originality/value This study was the first to use source attribution perspective to extend boundary theory and specify, in two asymmetrical paths, a different mechanism for the effect of work-to-family and family-to-work interruptions, WFC/FWC and their within-domain behaviour outcomes. Keywords-Boundary theory; Source attribution theory; Spouse undermining behaviour; Work-family conflict, Family-work conflict; London, UK, COVID-19 pandemic.