Work-family enrichment and satisfaction: the mediating role of self-efficacy and work-life balance

Although the direct effects of work-family enrichment on satisfaction are well-documented, previous theoretical predictions and empirical findings of the relationship have been inconsistent. Drawing on social cognitive theory, the current research examined how work-family enrichment contributes to j...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of human resource management 2016-08, Vol.27 (15), p.1755-1776
Main Authors: Chan, Xi Wen, Kalliath, Thomas, Brough, Paula, Siu, Oi-Ling, O'Driscoll, Michael P., Timms, Carolyn
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Australia
Data collection
family satisfaction
Job satisfaction
self-efficacy to regulate work and life
social cognitive theory
Statistical analysis
Studies
Work life balance
work-family enrichment
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Summary:Although the direct effects of work-family enrichment on satisfaction are well-documented, previous theoretical predictions and empirical findings of the relationship have been inconsistent. Drawing on social cognitive theory, the current research examined how work-family enrichment contributes to job and family satisfaction by exploring the mediating mechanisms of self-efficacy and work-life balance. This study also empirically validated a new self-efficacy measure using the work-life interface nomological network. A heterogeneous sample of Australian employees (N = 234) from four different organisations responded to two waves of data collection separated by a 12-month interval. Using structural equation modelling, the results of the statistical analysis provided preliminary support for the hypothesised chain mediation model and the newly developed five-item self-efficacy to regulate work and life scale. Specifically, work-to-family enrichment and family-to-work enrichment were positively related to self-efficacy, which in turn had a positive effect on work-life balance. Similarly, work-life balance had a positive impact on job and family satisfaction. Evidence of these relationships over time was demonstrated, thereby emphasising the importance of person-cognitive resources (e.g. self-efficacy) in influencing life outcomes. Validation of the self-efficacy scale also demonstrated robust psychometric properties and criterion validity. Implications of these results were subsequently discussed.
ISSN:0958-5192
1466-4399
DOI:10.1080/09585192.2015.1075574