AtkinsonThis study explores Work Life Balance (WLB) in two Palestinian organisations.
It argues that the nature and content of WLB policies and the reasons for their
adoption in many Arabic organisations differ from those in Western
organisations. Additionally, research is under-developed concerning the role of
line managers in interpreting access to WLB practices, and to what extent such
WLB practices are accessed and utilised by individuals. Based on a qualitative
approach, using semi-structured interviews with 49 employees and managers,
this study shows that WLB policies involve, particularly for female employees,
mainly family support, and financial, social, and religious benefits. These reflect
cultural and religious characteristics of an Arab, Islamic country.
In addition to identifying the role of government, and the needs of a female
workforce, this study develops a new theoretical framework explaining the role
of religious and cultural variables, as well as international networking of the
organisations, as factors underlying adoption of WLB policies. Line managers
often used Wasta, being the political and religious origin of individuals as criteria
in granting benefits to individuals. WLB practices are useful for women, but
males made less use of these practices, preferring strong ‘breadwinner Arabic
cultural norms. A valuable contribution in understanding the extension of WLB
policies in Arabic settings is offered, as well as cultural, social and religious
reasons for their implementation. The study presents a theoretical model of the
adoption and application of WLB policies which can be used in further crosscultural
research.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BRADFORD/oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/14367 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Abubaker, Mahmoud A.J. |
| Contributors | Atkinson, Carol, Smith, Andrew J. |
| Publisher | University of Bradford, School of Management |
| Source Sets | Bradford Scholars |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, doctoral, PhD |
| Rights | <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Licence</a>. |
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