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Publication

Examining the link between flexible working arrangement bundles and employee work effort

Publication type

Journal Article

Authors

Publication date

July 15, 2019

Summary

Empirical evidence regarding the link between flexible working arrangements (FWAs) and work effort is mixed, with the literature showing that some practices are linked to more while others to less work effort. In this study, we argue that this discrepancy may be due to the existence of different types of FWA bundles with potentially distinct effects on work effort. Using Understanding Society, a British national survey, and building on theories related to social exchange, the study examines the link between employee‐centered and employer‐centered FWA bundles, and work effort. This study further tests whether these relationships differ depending on employees' family responsibilities. Based on a sample of 13,834 employees, results show that both employee‐centered and employer‐centered FWA bundles are negatively associated with work effort, and findings for the latter bundle are more pronounced. These negative associations are somewhat stronger for employees with fewer family responsibilities. We infer that employees appear to use employee‐centered FWAs for their intended purpose, that is, to balance life and job demands, while they might perceive employer‐centered FWAs as unfair, resulting in less work effort in an attempt to restore fairness.

Volume and page numbers

Volume: 58 , p.431 -449

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.21969

ISSN

904848

Subjects

Notes

Not held in Hilary Doughty Research Library - bibliographic reference only

Cid:525641

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