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Comparing Work-Life Balance in Spanish and Latin-American Countries
- Source :
-
European Journal of Training and Development . 2012 36(2-3):286-307. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Purpose: This paper aims to determine the level of awareness and implementation of family-responsible parameters: policies, enablers, practices, and culture, in Spanish and Latin-American companies, and how they impact work-life balance. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses data from different national IESE's Family-Responsible Employer Index surveys in Spain (1,000 companies) and five Latin-American countries (1,155 companies), Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador and Peru, done between 2006 and 2008. This is a structured questionnaire that assesses the stage of development the organization is in regarding four main family-responsible parameters: policies, enablers, practices, and culture. Findings: Latin-American countries get a slightly higher number of companies that are fully supportive of work-family balance environment than Spain, but with lesser formal policies implemented and a stronger presence of enablers and practices. Policies are important but might not be as effective if not accompanied by the example of managers and staff as well as by a deep understanding of the cultural value placed by them on work, family and personal life. Research limitations/implications: The survey-based data used limits insight into causal relationships. Qualitative and longitudinal studies are needed in order to clarify motives for individual and organizational decisions regarding work-life initiatives. Data collected are from one source only: employer's management. Multi-source studies must follow and include the public sector. Originality/value: This is the first comparison between Spanish companies and companies from five Latin-American countries regarding work-family policies, enablers, practices and culture with such an ample number of companies. Findings will aid HRD practitioners in developing work-family initiatives and help researchers to address new questions in cross-cultural comparisons. (Contains 1 figure and 6 tables.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2046-9012
- Volume :
- 36
- Issue :
- 2-3
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- European Journal of Training and Development
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ978765
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research<br />Tests/Questionnaires
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1108/03090591211204751