Community Demands and Resources and Work-Family Conflict: Case Study in Kuching Sarawak

Abstract

Most studies on work-life balance only examine work and family domains. While work is the only role in its domain, life consists of many aspects besides family. However, research on other roles is still very limited. This study examines the influence of community (neighbour, neighbourhood, relatives, friends), and participation in Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), demands, and resources on work-family conflict (WFC) and family-work conflict (FWC). Questionnaires were distributed to 506 employees from six public and private organisations in Kuching, Sarawak. Data were analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS Version 20. The findings showed that WFC was negatively related with demands from neighbours, relatives, and friends; and positively related with demands from participating in NGOs and resources from neighbours. FWC was negatively related with demands from neighbours, relatives, and friends; and positively related with resources from neighbours and relatives. This study provided evidence that community domain influences the WFC and FWC. Thus, organisations should consider the community domain in formulating strategies to minimise WFC and FWC experienced by the employees.

 

Keywords: Work-family conflict, family-work conflict, community demands, and resources.