Stewart, J and Akobo, LA (2020) Contextualising work-life balance; a case of women of African origin in the UK. Industrial and Commercial Training, 52 (3). pp. 133-153. ISSN 0019-7858

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Abstract

Purpose: The existing gender gap in the workplace, that affects job satisfaction and career advancement of women, creates a need to understand further the causes and effects of the gender gap phenomenon. Although, there are many challenges that affect women’s job satisfaction and advancement in the workplace, this paper investigates work-life balance using multiple theoretical lenses. Design: 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with women from Nigeria and Ghana residing in the UK, they were selected using a purposive sampling method. Findings: The findings show four main factors that explain the choices these women make in relation to work-family. These are cultural sensitivities, current phase in family and work life, personality types and other influences like policies and financial commitment. Results also show how these women make these work-family choices using networks and services. Practical Implications: The paper postulates the need for organisations to pay attention to the acculturation and enculturation of these women which would indicate observing their cultural behaviours, values, knowledge and identities in order to understand how they integrate, assimilate and to also prevent separation and marginalisation. In addition, the use of (internal and external) networks as support systems for these women can create the opportunity for informal learning. Finally, organisations should create structure that support workplace learning and should include activities like decision-making, communication, career advancement planning and flexible work patterns. Originality/Value: This study contributes to theory using multiple theories (work-family, gender inequality and theory X and Y in explaining the work family construct of women of African origin in the UK.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	The AAM is deposited under the above licence and any reuse is allowed in accordance with the terms outlined by the licence. To reuse the AAM for commercial purposes, permission should be sought by contacting permissions@emeraldinsight.com.
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Divisions:	Business & Management (from Sep 19) Doctoral Management Studies (from Sep 19)
Publisher:	Emerald
Date Deposited:	09 Mar 2020 09:02
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2021 07:45
DOI or ID number:	10.1108/ICT-09-2019-0092
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/12440

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