D.Comm. / The aim of this study is to develop an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon of life balance in the lives of South African professional women, and to develop a Life Balance Questionnaire to measure this phenomenon. The study was approached qualitatively, applying the Grounded Theory method, with a systematic set of procedures to develop and derive at a theory inductively. The purposeful sampling method was used in combination with the chain reference sampling technique. In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty four selected participants, then a group session was held to confirm identified themes and concepts and to form a theoretical framework. The literature review reveals that professional women in the 21 st century face an exceptional challenge in balancing the multiple tasks associated with their homemaker and work roles. The phenomenon of life balance therefore seems to become an important consideration in the lives of professional women. The main findings in this study indicate that South African professional women of different cultural backgrounds experience similar pressures and challenges. The findings also indicate that, to define the phenomenon of life balance, all roles performed by an individual throughout her life need to be considered, as what constitutes life balance for one person might not apply to another. Selfawareness is identified as the main point of departure for achieving life balance. This implies that it is important to accept "who you are" and "what is important to you", and to take responsibility for the choices you make. It is concluded that life balance is cyclical, so it is important to be aware of it as a process, rather than an end, and as a tool for achieving personal growth. Life balance is, therefore, not defined as "one, single ultimate experience", but as individual experiences over time, or, rather, as "life balance moments". The final conclusion is that two main types of factors influence and support life balance, namely internal or influential factors and external or supporting factors. Internal factors include self-awareness, the ability to know and understand oneself, to take responsibility for decisions and life choices, to understand and deal with personal fears, the application of proactive coping strategies, a positive attitude towards life and chosen demands, and trust in others for assistance and support. External variables include situational conditions, societal views and attitudes, support structures, organisational values and support, and literature and training programmes. To illustrate and confirm the conclusions of this study, two Life Balance Models are developed to represent a definitional and process approach to the theme. The study concludes with a proposed "Life Balance Questionnaire" aimed at measuring life balance in the lives of professional women. The testing and validation of the "Life Balance Questionnaire" do not form part of the study.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:9346 |
| Date | 15 August 2012 |
| Creators | Whitehead, Thana |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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