Mechanisms Linking Work and Family: Clarifying the Relationship Between Work and Family Constructs

TLDR

Work-family research highlights the need for mechanisms linking work and family, yet these mechanisms are often described metaphorically, hindering rigorous study. The article aims to translate work-family linking mechanisms into causal relationships between work and family constructs. The authors detail each causal relationship’s sign, structure, and the influence of personal intent. These respecified linking mechanisms serve as theoretical building blocks for comprehensive work-family interface models.

Abstract

Work-family research emphasizes the importance of mechanisms that link work and family. However, these mechanisms typically are described in metaphoric terms poorly suited to rigorous research. In this article we translate work-family linking mechanisms into causal relationships between work and family constructs. For each relationship we explain its sign and causal structure and how it is influenced by personal intent. We show how these respecified linking mechanisms constitute theoretical building blocks for developing comprehensive models of the work-family interface.