Work/Family Interface of Women: Insights from a Collectivistic Society

Abstract

The current research work aimed at exploring the negative as well as the positive side of work/family interface i.e work/family conflict and work/family enrichment among working women in Pakistan. The sample consisted of 38 working women belonging to diverse professions. The age range of the sample was from 23 to 53 years. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants and data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results showed that time demands from both work and family domains, stress created due to unrealistic demands from work and family and gender-related issues faced at work are the major factors that hinder the performance of women and lead to work/family conflict. Moreover, support from boss, colleagues, family, family friendly policies and financial independence are the major factors that enrich a woman’s work/family experiences. These results have implications for working women, organizations as well as policy makers.