An Examination of Factors Associated with Work-Life Balance Perspectives of Future Accounting and Business Professionals

• In Event: Accounting Behavior and Organizations/ Gender Issues and Work-Life Balance

Abstract

Work-life balance is about the allocation of people’s time between job, household obligations, and personal pursuits in an effort to achieve harmony between career and the other parts of life. While striving to attain work-life balance has been an age-old challenge, recently it has become a major workplace issue, notably in the accounting profession. The increasing importance of work-life balance is associated with greater interest by professionals in seeking satisfaction from non-work activities, as well as the increasing number of women in the workforce and more dual career couples. Advances in technology have facilitated more flexible and work-life balance-friendly work arrangements as individuals are able to utilize technology from the workplace, at home or on the go. However, at the same time, this flexibility can create more spillover from the typical nine to five workday, leading to what may be an even greater struggle to attain a work-life balance. Examination of professionals’ perception of work-life balance has shown that a healthy work-life balance results in higher job satisfaction and work performance. This study extends prior research on the work-life balance views of prospective accountants and examines factors that are associated with individual interest in achieving work-life balance such as gender, religiosity, education, and political perspectives. Findings indicate that future accountants and business professionals place high value on work-life balance. A notable correlation was found between work-life balance perspectives and a person’s ethicality. On the other hand, there were relatively small differences in work-life balance perspectives based on other factors, including gender, religiosity, field of study, and political perspectives.

Authors

• Melissa Sharpe, Murray State University

• Amanda M Grossman, Murray State University

• Katherine Taken Smith, Murray State University

• Murphy Smith, Murray State University