The rapid changes in the composition of families and the workforce have made the relationships between work and family increasingly important. In response to these changes, many organizations, especially in the Korean public sector, have implemented p...
The rapid changes in the composition of families and the workforce have made the relationships between work and family increasingly important. In response to these changes, many organizations, especially in the Korean public sector, have implemented programs or policies to accommodate conflicting needs from work and family. However, it is doubtful if the various policy measures for work-family reconciliation fulfill the needs in reality, in terms of policy formalism. In order to identify the gaps between policy rhetoric and reality, social and informal supports for work-family reconciliation need to be given attention.
In this context, this study explores the substantial effects of informal social supports on the work-family interface, paying special attention to gender differences and marital status. The work-family interface consists of work-family conflict and work-family enhancement. Additionally, social and informal supports for the work-family interface have three sources; that is, from supervisors, co-workers, and organizational climate. In particular, survey data were collected from civil servants in the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
The results of this study are as follows. First, there were significant gender differences in social supports and the work-family interface. The level of social supports for men was higher than women. Moreover, women reported a higher level of work-family conflict. Second, in every facet, married women experienced in the hardest conditions. They reported the highest level of work-family conflict and a lower level of social supports. Third, organizational supports were the most important factor of work-family conflict. Likewise, supports from co-workers were the most important factor of work-family facilitation(->enhancement).
These findings have certain implications. First, different strategies should be applied. That is, in planning policy measures, gender differences should be considered. Especially the differentiated conditions faced by married women need to be seriously taken into account. In addition, the organizational culture or climate can either advance or thwart the fectiveness of work-family programs.
Family-friendly policy or programs should be directed towards changes in organizational culture or climate.