The relationship between work-life balance, the need for achievement, and intention to leave: Mixed-method study

Oscar Dousin and Ngan Collins and Timothy Bartram and Pauline Stanton (2020) The relationship between work-life balance, the need for achievement, and intention to leave: Mixed-method study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77 (3). pp. 1478-1489. ISSN 1365-2648 (In Press)

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Abstract

Aims To examine the mediating role of employee well-being on the relationship between work-life balance practices, the need for achievement and intention to leave among nurses in Malaysia. Background Work-life balance practices are associated with employee perceptions of the need for achievement and well-being which subsequently influence their intention to leave the organization. This study contributes new knowledge to nursing studies on work-life balance in an Asian and Islamic society where the expectations for women are to focus on family rather than career. Design A cross-sectional, explanatory mixed methodology. Methods This is a two-phase study conducted between 2015–2017 with 401 nurses in East Malaysia. In Phase 1, researchers surveyed 379 nurses to test eight hypotheses and in Phase 2 researchers interviewed 22 nurses to explore the results of Phase 1. Results Phase 1 revealed job satisfaction mediates the relationship between work-life balance practices (e.g. flexibility and choice in working hours, supportive supervision), financial success, and intention to leave. However, life satisfaction and money as a motivator did not mediate such relationships. Phase 2 identified four important factors that cast light on survey results: working conditions of Malaysian nurses; inadequate compensation in the public healthcare sector; team-based practices; and pressure on senior nurses in both administrative and clinical roles. Conclusion This is one of the first studies to investigate work-life balance issues among nurses in Malaysia. Outcomes of this study extend the debates on work-life balance and employee well-being in an Asian Islamic social context. Impact The use of flexible working arrangements and collectivist teamwork approaches, improving compensation and employment benefits and eliminating the ‘time-based job promotion’ policy may help to mitigate work-life balance issues and intention to leave among nurses in Malaysia.

Item Type: Article
Keyword: Nurses , Malaysia , Lifestyle
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
Department: FACULTY > Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting
Depositing User: NORAINI LABUK -
Date Deposited: 23 Jun 2021 20:06
Last Modified: 23 Jun 2021 20:06
URI: https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/27389

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