Flexible working and compatibility with entrepreneurs

The aim of this project is to examine the compatibility of work and family/private life for female entrepreneurs and employees in a comparative manner. On the one hand, flexible working conditions as antecedents, and on the other hand, company-, work- and person-related factors as consequences of the reconciliation of work and family/private life for entrepreneurs and dependent employees are to be considered. 

In addition, we are interested in possible social and personal influencing factors in order to clarify previously ambivalent findings on the relationship between flexible working conditions and reconcilability. We hypothesize that partner support as a social factor and self-leadership skills and work-family boundary management as personal factors determine whether flexible working conditions contribute to the compatibility or conflict between work and family/private life.

In order to investigate the issue of work-life balance among entrepreneurs and employees, two studies are planned: First, a quantitative longitudinal study which will identify causal effects between flexible working conditions and reconciliation as well as between reconciliation and its consequences.

Second, a questionnaire study with dual-earner couples devoted to the effects of flexible working on family life and the protective role of social and personal resources.

Dates and Facts

• Duration 07/2015 - 12/2016
• Funding: Wirtschaftskammer
• Responsible Person: Bettina Kubicek
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