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Leveraging the macro-level environment to balance work and life: an analysis of female entrepreneurs’ job satisfaction

Author

Listed:
  • Dirk Clercq

    (Brock University
    Kingston University)

  • Steven A. Brieger

    (University of Sussex
    University of St.Gallen)

  • Christian Welzel

    (Leuphana University of Lüneburg
    National Research University)

Abstract

This study investigates the interactive effect of female entrepreneurs’ experience of work–life imbalance and gender-egalitarian macro-level conditions on their job satisfaction, with the prediction that the negative linear relationship between work–life imbalance and job satisfaction may be buffered by the presence of women-friendly action resources, emancipative values, and civic entitlements. Data pertaining to 7392 female entrepreneurs from 44 countries offer empirical support for these predictions. Female entrepreneurs who are preoccupied with their ability to fulfill both work and life responsibilities are more likely to maintain a certain level of job satisfaction, even if they experience significant work–life imbalances, to the extent that they operate in supportive macro-level environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Dirk Clercq & Steven A. Brieger & Christian Welzel, 2021. "Leveraging the macro-level environment to balance work and life: an analysis of female entrepreneurs’ job satisfaction," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 56(4), pages 1361-1384, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:56:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s11187-019-00287-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-019-00287-x
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    Cited by:

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    2. Junguang Gao & Tao Chen & Thomas Schøtt & Fuzhen Gu, 2022. "Entrepreneurs’ Life Satisfaction Built on Satisfaction with Job and Work–Family Balance: Embedded in Society in China, Finland, and Sweden," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-21, May.
    3. Vallari Chandna, 2021. "The Impact of Work Centrality and Type of Work on Life Satisfaction: an Exploration of Global Respondents," Romanian Economic Journal, Department of International Business and Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest, vol. 24(81), pages 50-58, September.
    4. Purushottam Dhakal & Retha Wiesner & Tek Maraseni, 2022. "When Entrepreneurial Leadership Identity and Passion Meet Venture Growth Intention," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-20, October.
    5. Silvia De Simone & Jessica Pileri & Marina Mondo & Max Rapp-Ricciardi & Barbara Barbieri, 2022. "Mea Culpa! The Role of Guilt in the Work-Life Interface and Satisfaction of Women Entrepreneur," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-13, August.

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