The Role of Work-Life Balance Programs in Job Satisfaction

The Role of Work-Life Balance Programs in Job Satisfaction by Charles S. Cookson MBA, Grantham University, 2010 BGS, University of Kansas, 2006 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University January 2016 Abstract Organizations spend significant amounts of money to address low job satisfaction. As much as 16.5% of an organization’s pretax income is lost due to employee withdrawal behaviors, with 27% of that amount associated with turnover. Building on the quality of working life theory, this single-site case study took place at a for-profit university located in the Midwest United States to understand the role that work-life balance programs playOrganizations spend significant amounts of money to address low job satisfaction. As much as 16.5% of an organization’s pretax income is lost due to employee withdrawal behaviors, with 27% of that amount associated with turnover. Building on the quality of working life theory, this single-site case study took place at a for-profit university located in the Midwest United States to understand the role that work-life balance programs play in employee job satisfaction. The population consisted of 6 front-line admissions managers, as that population was appropriate for understanding the work-life balance strategies college officials use to improve the job satisfaction of admissions representatives. The data collection process consisted of semistructured interviews, a review of observational field notes, and a review of employee surveys. Based on methodological triangulation of the data sources and analysis of the data, 3 emergent themes were identified. Participants indicated that both autonomy and flexibility contributed to employee job satisfaction, which the quality of working life theory and existing research on the subject supports. Participants also indicated that the manageremployee relationship was fundamental to improving job satisfaction, which was a finding outside of the scope of the conceptual framework used in the study. Social change implications include improving policy makers and business leaders’ understanding of the role that work-life balance plays in job satisfaction. Employees will also find the results of this study informative when attempting to understand how work-life balance programs may contribute to the level of satisfaction they experience with their jobs. The Role of Work-Life Balance Programs in Job Satisfaction by Charles S. Cookson MBA, Grantham University, 2010 BGS, University of Kansas, 2006 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University January 2016 Dedication To my mother, whose hard work on her own education has often served as a reminder to me that I come from a long line of people who have worked through the night to create a better life for those around them. Your steadfast determination to complete your own degree while raising a family has served as constant inspiration for me as I complete mine. You continue to inspire me daily. Acknowledgments Thank you is not a strong enough sentiment to describe the appreciation I have for the help of Dr. Kenneth Gossett. My second committee member, Dr. Stephen Munkeby, provided a great deal of guidance in areas related to synthesis in my literature review and am forever grateful for that. My URR, Dr. Judith Blando, has a research interest similar to my own and I am fortunate to have had her assistance. I’d like to thank R. Za, G. Za, and R. Edman for their contributions to the development of my writing style as a young man. Additionally, the unwavering focus of R. Aekwon, M. Man, and I. Deck on the firm’s bottom line in their 1993 exposition on the role that cash flow plays in an organization was fundamental to the development of my business philosophy and their thoughts have continued to influence my decisions to this day. To my family and friends who have encouraged me in my darkest times, thank you. To my partner, Hilary, I love you. Thank you for your constant encouragement. Your belief in me powered me through those times when I didn’t believe in myself. To my dad, Charlie, from whom I’ve inherited my workaholic mindset, I wouldn’t have an interest in this topic if it wasn’t for you. I think we both deserve a break. My research assistant, Calvin “The Javelin” Cookson has spent countless hours at my feet under the computer and I couldn’t be more appreciative of his companionship. He knows more about my thoughts on work-life balance and job satisfaction than could be contained in these pages. Calvin, I owe you a few walks. You are a good boy. Yes you are. Yes, you are.