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An examination of gender differences in the impact of individual and organisational factors on work hours, work-life conflict and psychological strain in academics

  • Victoria Hogan
    ,
  • Michael Hogan
    ,
  • Margaret Hodgins
    ,
  • Gail Kinman
    ,
  • Brendan Bunting
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

The current study used multi-group structural equation modelling (SEM) to test a fully and partially mediated Extended Rational Model of Work-Life Conflict and examine the impact of job involvement, workaholism, work intensity, organisational expectations and support, and having children on work hours, work-life conflict and psychological strain in male and female academics. In total, 410 academics from three Irish universities completed an electronic questionnaire survey. Results indicated both commonalities and differences in the factors that influence work hours, work-life conflict and levels of psychological strain in men and women. Lower organisation expectations predicted longer working hours in both men and women; additional unique predictors of longer working hours in men were higher work intensity and having children; conversely, higher work enjoyment predicted longer working hours in women, but not men. Higher work intensity predicted higher work-life conflict in men and women. In the final best fitting model, longer work hours predicted higher levels of work-life conflict in women only. Findings are discussed in light of research and theory on work-life balance and the challenge of facilitating productivity and well-being in academia.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 133-150

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Irish Journal of Psychology (Volume 35, Issue 2-3)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 30/04/2015

Publication status

Published - 30/04/2015

ISSN

0303-3910

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/581939
  • Scopus: 84928952832

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