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Work-life experiences in rapidly changing national contexts: Structural misalignment, comparisons and choice overload as explanatory mechanisms

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  • Trefalt, Špela
  • Drnovšek, Mateja
  • Svetina-Nabergoj, Anja
  • Adlešič, Renata Valentina

Abstract

Work-life research thus far theorized national context as static. We develop a model and a set of testable propositions about the impact of rapid changes in national context on individuals’ work-life conflict, satisfaction with work-life balance and work-life enrichment, using the theoretical logics of three mechanisms: structural misalignment, social and temporal comparisons, and choice overload. In so doing, we make several theoretical contributions. We show that in order to truly understand individuals’ work-life experiences one needs to consider national context as a dynamic rather than a static influence; we provide a framework for systematic empirical testing of the impact of changes in national context on work-life experiences; and we uncover three mechanisms through which this impact takes place. We also shed light on countries in transition, a set of countries that are understudied in work-life research. We discuss implications of our proposed framework for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Trefalt, Špela & Drnovšek, Mateja & Svetina-Nabergoj, Anja & Adlešič, Renata Valentina, 2013. "Work-life experiences in rapidly changing national contexts: Structural misalignment, comparisons and choice overload as explanatory mechanisms," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 448-463.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eurman:v:31:y:2013:i:5:p:448-463
    DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2013.04.006
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    1. Shen-Tsu Wang, 2016. "Analysis of Life Context of On-Line Group-Buying Population by Dynamic Decision," Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Management Studies, Asian Online Journal Publishing Group, vol. 3(3), pages 173-181.

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