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Work–family policies in the context of higher education: Useful or symbolic?

Bendigo Bank, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia

E. Anne Bardoel

Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

This study uses qualitative data gathered from focus group interviews of 76 participants to investigate the factors that influence employees' decisions to use or not use work–family policies in an Australian university. The focus group data identified a number of barriers that limit the use of work–family policies including lack of communication about the policies, high workloads, management attitudes, career repercussions, influence of peers, and administrative processes. This study reinforces the notion that organisational commitment to an environment that supports work and family is not merely about providing policies for their symbolic value, but is also about creating a workplace culture that supports and encourages the use of the policies.

Key Words: focus groups • universities • work–family policies

Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, Vol. 44, No. 1, 67-82 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1038411106061510


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