The Relationship between Work Family Conflict and Satisfaction Outcomes: An Investigation of the Moderating Effects of Nations

Abstract

Due to the negative outcomes resulting from work family conflict (WFC), it is important to identify variables that influence the relationship between WFC and satisfaction outcomes. At the same time, globalized business activities and a culturally diverse workforce make a cross-cultural perspective on WFC and satisfaction outcomes necessary. Accordingly, this study used the Individualism/Collectivism value dimension identified by Hofstede (1980) to examine the moderating effects of culture on the relationship between WFC and job satisfaction, family satisfaction, and life satisfaction. Data were obtained from The International Social Survey Program (ISSP), including a sample of 20,850 participants from 30 countries. Results found significant negative relationships between WFC with all measures of satisfaction across cultures. Moreover, results of this study showed that relationships between WFC and satisfaction were stronger in nations that are more individualistic. Consequently, culture is an important variable when examining the relationship between WFC and satisfaction outcomes.