Connecting Work–Family Policies to Supportive Work Environments

Alison Cook (Utah State University)

Abstract

This research provides a theory-driven approach to study the relationship between the availability of work–family policies and family-supportive organization perceptions (FSOPs) and supervisory support perceptions (SSPs). At-risk family characteristics, which are characteristics that potentially affect work–family conflict such as a young child in the home, are investigated as a moderator of the proposed relationships. Findings substantiate positive relationships between the availability of work–family policies and FSOPs and SSPs; in addition, at-risk family characteristics are found to strengthen the relationship between work–family policies and SSPs. FSOPs and SSPs are also examined as mediators of the relationship between work–family policies and employee outcomes of intention to turnover, job satisfaction, and job burnout. Findings partially support FSOPs and SSPs as having mediating influences in the work–family policies and work attitudes relationship.

Keywords: work–family policies; work–life policies; supervisory support; organizational support

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