Understanding the antecedents of participating in an alternative work arrangement

Alyson Landa Margulies, Purdue University

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to (1) identify what beliefs employees have about participating in an alternative work arrangement (AWA); (2) understand how those beliefs influence an employee's decision to participate in (or not participate in) an AWA; and (3) investigate correlates of those beliefs, including perceptions of Family Supportive Organization, Supervisory Family Supportiveness and Coworker Family Supportiveness. A paper-based survey was distributed to employees at a large retail organization. Surveys were completed by 525 employees. We predicted that the intent to participate in an AWA would depend upon the (1) Attitude toward the behavior and (2) Subjective norm. Additionally, the current research hypothesized that the set of elicited behavioral beliefs would in fact predict the attitude toward the behavior and that the set of elicited normative beliefs would be predictive of the subjective norm. These predicted relationships received strong support. We also investigated how the supportiveness of the organization, supervisor, and coworkers related to intentions of employees to participate in an AWA. It was predicted that shared perceptions of the supportiveness of the organization, supervisor, and coworker would relate to intentions through their influence on beliefs. Results of these predictions were mixed. In addition to the three supportiveness variables, two other variables were examined in their relation to participating in an AWA. These variables were gender and having dependents living at home. Explanation of results, study limitations, directions for future research, and theoretical implications of the study are presented.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Henry, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Occupational psychology

COinS