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Forget about ‘the ideal worker’: A theoretical contribution to the debate on flexible workplace designs, work/life conflict, and opportunities for gender equality

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  • Peters, Pascale
  • Blomme, Robert Jan

Abstract

This study integrates insights from Self-Determination Theory and Boundary Theory to present scenarios on how flexible workplace designs can trigger multiple motivational processes underlying gendered work/nonwork integration behaviors, and how these affect work/life conflict. We disentangle processes underlying work engagement and work/life conflict, explaining the paradoxical outcomes found with regard to gender inequality in terms of work/life performance, satisfaction, and health. Policy makers and organizations need an increased understanding and a reconceptualization of these issues, realizing that the ideal worker does not exist. Instead, a long-term perspective is needed in order to truly realize the potential benefits of flexible workplace designs for all stakeholders. Organizations need to take responsibility for preventing individual workers’ depletion and stimulating the regeneration of workers’ resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Peters, Pascale & Blomme, Robert Jan, 2019. "Forget about ‘the ideal worker’: A theoretical contribution to the debate on flexible workplace designs, work/life conflict, and opportunities for gender equality," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 62(5), pages 603-613.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:62:y:2019:i:5:p:603-613
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2019.04.003
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sonja Sperber, 2021. "Invisible women: Exposing data bias in a world designed for men," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(5), pages 1985-1989, September.
    2. Hyo-Sun Jung & Hye-Hyun Yoon, 2021. "Generational Effects of Workplace Flexibility on Work Engagement, Satisfaction, and Commitment in South Korean Deluxe Hotels," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-13, August.
    3. Yusuf Lukman & Sanjay Balkaran & Nonzwakazi Beauty Makiwane, 2022. "Aligning Theories with Conflict Management in Higher Institutions of Learning: Averting Looming Crises to Ensure Success and Stability," International Journal of Higher Education, Sciedu Press, vol. 11(7), pages 1-55, September.
    4. Regina Ding & Amiram Gafni & Allison Williams, 2022. "Cost Implications from an Employer Perspective of a Workplace Intervention for Carer-Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-17, February.
    5. Filiz Tabak & Aharon Tziner & Or Shkoler & Edna Rabenu, 2021. "The Complexity of Heavy Work Investment (HWI): A Conceptual Integration and Review of Antecedents, Dimensions, and Outcomes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-16, July.
    6. Stela Zhivkova, 2022. "Sustainability in the Companies Practices," European Journal of Marketing and Economics Articles, Revistia Research and Publishing, vol. 5, January -.

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