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9 - How to become a family-responsible firm: proposing a model for cultural change

from Part III - Cultural change

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 September 2009

Paula Caligiuri
By
Steven A. Y. Poelmans  and
Olena Stepanova
Edited by
Steven A. Y. Poelmans
Paula Caligiuri
Affiliation:
Rutgers University, New Jersey
Steven A. Y. Poelmans
Affiliation:
Assistant Professor IESE Business School, Spain
Olena Stepanova
Affiliation:
Research Assistant IESE Business School, Spain
Steven A. Y. Poelmans
Affiliation:
IESE Business School, Barcelona
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Summary

The previous chapters described different work–family policies used in companies in various contexts, the sources of resistance among employees that can arise when applying them, and the overall difficulties experienced when trying to introduce work–life balance. Therefore, an important question remains: How to introduce these practices in a successful way.

In today's world of growing competition and strife for occupying new markets, companies are facing various challenges, and in order to deal with them a sustainable advantage is needed – skillful and capable employees (Causon, 2004; Deloitte, 2005). The life of employees is also full of challenges: juggling personal and professional lives, and having interests besides work to which they want to devote time (continuing education, involvement in the community, hobbies, etc.) (Tombari & Spinks, 1999; Peper, 2005). Therefore, in order for the company to profit from the knowledge and skills offered by its employees, it has to create the environment for it and attend to their needs (Doorewaard & Benschop, 2003).

According to the literature, successful work–personal life integration is attained if it is regarded as a strategy by the company and not as a temporary solution for existing problems. The dual agenda approach (Rapoport, Bailyn, Fletcher, & Pruitt, 2002; Lewis & Cooper, 2005) further suggests that this strategy should be designed as a benefit for both the company and its employees.

Type
Chapter
Information
Harmonizing Work, Family, and Personal Life
From Policy to Practice
 , pp. 235 - 277
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2008

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