Copreneurs' Coping Strategies for Work-Family Conflict

Copreneurs’ Coping Strategies for Work-Family Conflict by Eunice Peregrino-Dartey MBA, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, 2006 BA, University of Ghana, 1997 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2018 Abstract Family businesses including copreneurships have a high failure rate. Copreneurs experience work–family conflict (WFC), which can have a negative effect on business sustainability. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that copreneurs used in managing WFC to achieve business sustainability for longer than 10 years. Three copreneurs from 3 copreneurial businesses located in theFamily businesses including copreneurships have a high failure rate. Copreneurs experience work–family conflict (WFC), which can have a negative effect on business sustainability. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that copreneurs used in managing WFC to achieve business sustainability for longer than 10 years. Three copreneurs from 3 copreneurial businesses located in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, who have employed effective strategies to cope with WFC to achieve business sustainability longer than 10 years, participated in the study. The WFC model for business/marriage partners (copreneurs) and the reciprocal coping model served as the conceptual framework that grounded the study. Data were collected from semistructured interviews, company documents, and a reflective journal. The data were analyzed using the framework of compiling, disassembling, reassembling, interpreting, and making conclusions. Emerging themes included strategy themes of personal coping, family-friendly organizational supports, and integrated coping. The implications for positive social change include the potential to help copreneurs use strategies identified to manage WFC to improve business sustainability, which may contribute to wealth creation and poverty reduction in the local economy. Copreneurs’ Coping Strategies for Work-Family Conflict by Eunice Peregrino-Dartey MBA, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, 2006 BA, University of Ghana, 1997 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2018 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to Almighty God who made this feat possible. To my dear parents whose dream it was for me to obtain a doctorate, I made it, even though you are not here to experience this awesome accomplishment with me. I also dedicate this study to Jesse my husband, whose support and unconditional love, and encouragement helped me to make this achievement possible, I say, God bless you. To my sons Inshira and Adom, your sacrifices have borne fruits. I thank you all for the love and inspiration. Acknowledgments I thank my Chairs, Dr. James Glenn for chaperoning me through the final phase of my doctoral study and Dr. Lynn M. Szostek for her inspiration, support, guidance, and encouragement throughout my journey. I also thank Dr. Kim A. Critchlow and Dr. Denise L. Land who helped to steer the direction of my study. I am also thankful to Dr. Freda Turner and Dr. Susan Davis for making the DBA program a great one to undertake.