The relationship between work-life balance, the need for achievement, and intention to leave: Mixed-method study

Dousin O 1 , Collins N 2 , Bartram T 2 , Stanton P 3

Affiliations 

  • 1 Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
  • 2 School of Management, College of Business and Law, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
  • 3 College of Business and Law, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
J Adv Nurs, 2021 Mar;77(3):1478-1489.
PMID: 33314305 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14724

Abstract

AIMS: To examine the mediating role of employee well-being on the relationship between work-life balance practices, the need for achievement and intention to leave among nurses in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: Work-life balance practices are associated with employee perceptions of the need for achievement and well-being which subsequently influence their intention to leave the organization. This study contributes new knowledge to nursing studies on work-life balance in an Asian and Islamic society where the expectations for women are to focus on family rather than career.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional, explanatory mixed methodology.

METHODS: This is a two-phase study conducted between 2015-2017 with 401 nurses in East Malaysia. In Phase 1, researchers surveyed 379 nurses to test eight hypotheses and in Phase 2 researchers interviewed 22 nurses to explore the results of Phase 1.

RESULTS: Phase 1 revealed job satisfaction mediates the relationship between work-life balance practices (e.g. flexibility and choice in working hours, supportive supervision), financial success, and intention to leave. However, life satisfaction and money as a motivator did not mediate such relationships. Phase 2 identified four important factors that cast light on survey results: working conditions of Malaysian nurses; inadequate compensation in the public healthcare sector; team-based practices; and pressure on senior nurses in both administrative and clinical roles.

CONCLUSION: This is one of the first studies to investigate work-life balance issues among nurses in Malaysia. Outcomes of this study extend the debates on work-life balance and employee well-being in an Asian Islamic social context.

IMPACT: The use of flexible working arrangements and collectivist teamwork approaches, improving compensation and employment benefits and eliminating the 'time-based job promotion' policy may help to mitigate work-life balance issues and intention to leave among nurses in Malaysia.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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