Document Type

Article - On Campus Only

Publication Date

2001

Abstract

This study analyzes the effect of two types of work and personal life conflict and organizational support on expatriate employees’ mental well-being. Survey data were obtained from a culturally diverse sample of 118 employees working in Europe. Overall, employees reported higher levels of work interfering with their personal life, than personal life interfering with their work. Results demonstrated that work–personal life conflict was related to employees’ depression and anxiety and personal–work life conflict was related to employees’ concern for their health. Organizational support had significant main effects on well-being and conflict; however, organizational support did not buffer the effects of conflict on expatriates’ well-being. Although organizations are often concerned with the reduction of personal life interfering with work for expatriates (e.g., spouse employment, schooling for children), this study suggests that organizations should also concerned with how work is interfering with expatriates personal lives (e.g., reevaluate extensive travel, long hours.) Thus, programs that address both types of conflict are imperative to retain high quality employees. Finally, this study suggests that informal types of organizational support (e.g., a perception that the organization is concerned with one's personal life) are important for expatriate success, and should be incorporated into expatriate programs.

Original Publication Citation

Grant-Vallone, Elisa & Ensher, Ellen. (2001). An Examination of Work and Personal Life Conflict, Organizational Support, and Employee Health Among International Expatriates. International Journal of Intercultural Relations - INT J INTERCULT RELAT. 25. 261-278.

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