Turner, M and Lingard, H (2015) Identification of demand and resource typologies within a systems framework. In: Raiden, A and Aboagye-Nimo, E (eds.) Proceedings of 31st Annual ARCOM Conference, 7-9 September 2015, Lincoln, UK.
Abstract
Work-life fit occurs when people have the resources required to meet demands such that role performance (both at work and in non-work life domains) is effective. Models of work-life fit emphasise the interactive nature of demands and resources, however previous research has treated these as entirely independent of one another. This research makes a new conceptual contribution to an area in which theory is under-developed, by adopting a systems approach to understanding the dynamic interactions between demands and resources. Interviews were conducted with 59 construction workers based in Melbourne, Australia to explore how demands and resources were experienced by workers. Using a systems framework, data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results identified two demand typologies associated with demand-to-demand interaction, which challenges previous research claiming that resources are exclusively required to meet demands. Demands operating as 'influencers' have a major impact on the conditions of the interdependent demand, while demands operating as 'creators' generate a new demand and shape the conditions of that demand. One resource typology related to resource-demand interaction was identified. 'Enabling resources' enable an individual to manage multiple demands across multiple domains, and may also enable an individual to manage multiple demands within a single domain. Findings suggest that treating demands and resources as unrelated is not helpful. A lack of fit is damaging for the individual, therefore it is useful to know that demands and resources are interdependent and these interdependencies will vary according to individuals. Using a systems approach to understanding demands and resources will be helpful to organizations seeking to support workers to achieve optimal work-life fit.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | demands; systems framework; resources; wellbeing; work-life fit |
| Index terms: | interview, systems framework, Australia, well-being, thematic analysis, construction worker, interaction, work-life fit |
| Subjects: | analytical methods, practitioner, mental health and wellbeing, data collection methods, behavioral psychology, Geography, methods and analysis, management |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here