Janice R. Joplin

The Macro-Environment and Work-Family Conflict Development of a Cross Cultural Comparative Framework

Using data from focus groups in five countries (China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Singapore, and the United States), we identified macro-level influences on the work-family interface across the countries. Because macro-level influences are rarely investigated in work-family interface research, we sought to understand the nature of the influence and to guide future research in this area of inquiry. Using archival data, we viewed (changes in) economic, social, technological and legal factors across the five countries to explain differences and similarities associated with managing the work and family domains. Based on our integration of archival statistics and qualitative data grounded in the real experiences of employees in each of the five countries, we developed a general framework that can be applied to understanding work-family conflict across cultures. Our preliminary evidence indicates that changes in macro-level factors that are in greater conflict with cultural values lead to higher levels of stress and work-family conflict.

Attachment behavior and health: relationships at work and home

This article examines the relationships between interpersonal attachment orientations, health, and social support. Four hypotheses specified relationships between three interpersonal attachment orientations (interdependent, counterdependent, and overdependent), physical and psychological symptoms, and social support. Data were collected from 297 students, the majority of whom were also full-time employees. An interdependent orientation was negatively related to social dysfunction. Counterdependent and overdependent orientations were negatively related to health. A counterdependent orientation was negatively related to social support, while an overdependent orientation was positively related to social support from co-workers and family. Copyright

Expanding the boundaries of work—family research: A review and agenda for future research

Given the dominance of work—family research within the context of the United States and a disparate and fractured understanding of the dynamic interplay between work and family for those who live and work beyond the borders of the United States, we review and synthesize 219 empirical work—family studies that have targeted employees outside of the United States. Our review answers four questions about international work—family research. First, what constitutes the work—family interface and is there consensus about how to measure it? Second, what theories have researchers used to explain the work—family interface? Third, which antecedents and consequences of the work—family interface are common across countries and which are unique to particular countries? Fourth, what can we learn from this review that will inform future research in this area? Based on our review, a universal theoretical framework that integrates both work—family conflict and facilitation is provided. Future research directions are also discussed.

Comparing the Validity of Turnover Predictors in the United States and Mexico

This article compared the relative validity of traditional predictors of turnover intentions using samples from the USA and Mexico. Matched samples of retail grocery store employees (USA: N = 187; Mexico: N = 150) completed questionnaires that reported perceptions of inter-role conflict, positive affect, job satisfaction, perceived ease of movement and turnover intentions. Results indicate that job satisfaction and perceived ease of movement predicted turnover intentions in both the USA and Mexico. However, job satisfaction and perceived ease of movement were stronger predictors of turnover intentions in the USA. Unexpectedly, work-family and work-personal conflict did not predict turnover intentions in either sample.

Behavioral responses to anxiety: Self-reliance, counterdependence, and overdependence

Abstract This article builds on the original foundations of attachment theory and traces the strategies for achieving felt security into the adulthood years. The theoretical case is made for a link between a secure, self-reliant strategy and healthy adulthood functioning. This self-reliant strategy counteracts the health risk factors of social isolation and separation in human relationships. The strategy results in an enduring personality characteristic of self-reliance, a paradoxical pattern of behavior characterized by flexibility and bonding in relationships which appears rather autonomous. This article proposes a work-related measure of self-reliance which also incorporates the two insecure, unhealthy strategies for achieving felt security. These strategies are the dismissing strategy, which results in a counterdependent pattern of behavior, and the preoccupied strategy, which results in an overdependent behavior pattern. Preliminary reliability and validity data concerning the Self-Reliance Inventory...

Contracts and conflict resolution strategies in foreign ventures: a transaction cost perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a theory based on transaction cost economics to help explain how firms venturing into different foreign markets should properly formulate and implement contractual governance mechanisms to create greater efficiency, lower costs, and minimize conflict with partners.Design/methodology/approach – Defines and discusses a conceptual framework of the determinants regarding contracts and strategies used to manage conflict in foreign ventures through the integration of foreign venture conflict resolution, contract, and transaction cost economics literature.Findings – Suggests that perceived transaction costs will predict which contractual governance mechanism and which conflict resolution strategy a partner firm will choose when resolving conflict in a foreign venture. Postulates that consistency of conflict resolution strategy with contract type will impact the performance of the foreign venture, and that cultural distance, relative power, and interest alignment ...

Disruptions to women's social identity: a comparative study of workplace stress experienced by women in three geographic regions.

Drawing on social identity theory (P. J. Burke, 1991) and the current status of women and equal opportunity legislation, the authors tested several factors associated with distress in working women in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong, and the United States. Women in Hong Kong experienced significantly greater levels of life stress than PRC and U.S. women. Reports of negative attitudes toward women, gender evaluation, and avoidance coping were greater for Hong Kong and PRC women than for U.S. women. Hong Kong women reported more use of positive/confrontational coping mechanisms. Negative attitudes toward women had an important influence on life stress across regions. Moderator tests resulted in 2 significant findings: The effect of negative attitudes toward women on life stress was stronger for PRC and Hong Kong women, and the relationship between nervous/self-destructive coping and life stress was stronger for U.S. women.

Developing effective leadership: An interview with Henry Cisneros, Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Executive Overview More than ever, effective change is being called for from our nations leaders. The changing of the guard to the boomer generation has caused a lot of speculation as to whether or not these new leaders have the right stuff. In this interview, conducted prior to his confirmation, Henry Cisneros, President Clintons selection for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, provides a rare glimpse of his role models and explains how formal training as well as historical figures have shaped and enhanced his leadership development.