The role of identity and work–family support in work–family enrichment and its work-related consequences

• Published in: Journal of vocational behavior Vol. 69; no. 3; pp. 445 - 461
• Main Authors: Wayne, Julie Holliday, Randel, Amy E., Stevens, Jaclyn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Elsevier Inc 01.12.2006; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Corporate culture; Employees; Enrichment Activities; Families & family life; Family support; Family Work Relationship; Identity; Insurance; Insurance companies; Job enrichment; Organizational commitment; Organizational Culture; Organizational Development; Organizations (Groups); Personality Studies; Predictor Variables; Studies; Systems Analysis; Turnover intentions; Work Attitudes; Work–family enrichment; Turnover intentions; Organizational commitment; Family support; Identity; Organizational culture; Work–family enrichment
• ISSN: 0001-8791; 1095-9084
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvb.2006.07.002

Despite growing research on the positive connections between work and family, antecedents and consequences of work–family enrichment are understudied. Using a sample of employees from a major insurance company, we assessed the relationship of (i) individual (i.e., work and family identities), (ii) family (emotional and instrumental support), and (iii) organizational (benefit use and work–family culture) antecedents to work–family and family–work enrichment. We also examined whether enrichment predicted important work outcomes including organizational commitment and turnover intentions. The strength of an individual’s identity and informal or emotional support within a domain, rather than formal or instrumental support, were associated with greater enrichment. Work–family enrichment positively predicted affective organizational commitment, and family–work enrichment negatively predicted turnover intentions. Implications for individuals and organizations wanting to foster enrichment are discussed.