Organisational characteristics associated with the implementation of work-life balance policies within South African organisations

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY : Work-life balance has become an important concept in research and practice. However, very little South African literature has explored work-life balance and how it is perceived by managers and employees alike. Moreover, scant research attention has been given to the organisational characteristics associated with the implementation of work-life balance policies within South African organisations. Extending previous international research, this study sought to gather South African-based information by exploring organisations' work-life initiatives. Using a qualitative, exploratory design, the present study designed and administered a semi-structured interview schedule. The procedure consisted of an initial design phase, followed by an administration phase. A semi-structured interview schedule was constructed during the design phase. During the administration phase, the newly developed interview schedule was administered to eight human resource managers from a variety of organisations across South Africa. The results from the interviews revealed that strategic intent, along with very specific internal and external factors, are important determinants of the implementation of work-life balance policies within the sample of South African organisations. Implications for practice include having a clear understanding of the organisation's strategy, having an organisational culture that favours the utilisation of work-life balance policies, and being aware that management is key in realising a healthy work environment. In addition, female employment in key positions promotes the implementation of work-life balance policies, as do Generation Y employees, while the need for greater work flexibility and transparent communication cannot be understated. Taken together, the present findings add value to the limited South African literature and offer foundational insights for future research in the field of work-life balance.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University