Work-Life Balance and Its Relation with Employee Loyalty towards an Organisation – A Study of Public Sector Organisations in the Maldives (2013)

Work-Life Balance and Employee Loyalty Dissertation – Public sector organisations across the world have gradually assumed a competitive dimension similar to that of their counterparts in the private sector. With the public expecting higher efficiency from these organisations, employees have come under pressure to deliver more in terms of productivity. Such changes have however ignited a debate on the need for employees in the public sector to achieve a balance between their work and life roles so as to perform optimally at work and at the same time enhance their quality of life.

From both an organisational and employee perspective, this research aims at examining the nature of the relationship between work-life balance and employee loyalty in public sector organisations in Maldives. The dissertation uses a mixed methods approach to research in which interviews and survey questionnaires are used to collect relevant information from employees and human resource managers in the public sector organisations of Maldives. Empirical data from the survey was analysed using statistical packages while qualitative data were analysed for patterns and consequently themes in the collected responses.

The research was able to highlight that implementation of work-life balance practices in public sector organisations positively influences employee loyalty as depicted through greater job satisfaction, commitment and increased productivity. The benefits of this positive relationship extend to both employees and organisations and are therefore worth pursuing. The research also highlights that implementation of work-life balance programs faces a host of challenges and hence requires careful consideration for successful outcomes to be achieved.

Lastly, the research offers useful recommendations that organisations should consider so as to benefit from a loyal workforce that is able to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This dissertation aims at examining the nature of the relationship between work-life balance and employee loyalty in public sector organisations in Maldives. This aim is further broken down into the following objectives;

• To examine the extent to which benefits associated with employee loyalty acts as a driver for maintaining a work-life balance among public sector organisations in Maldives
• To examine whether a work-life balance have an impact on employee loyalty in terms of increased commitment and productivity in public sector organisations
• To examine issues preventing public sector companies in Maldives from enhancing a work-life balance among their employees

• 22,000 words – 88 pages in length
• Excellent use of literature
• Good case study analysis
• Well written throughout
• Includes questionnaire
• Ideal for international HRM students

1 – Introduction
Study Background
Problem Statement
Dissertation Objectives
Research Questions and Hypothesis
Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Structure and Scope of the Study
Limitations of the Study
Definition of Work-Life Balance

2 – Literature Review
Previous Studies
Definition of Work-Life Balance and Loyalty in the Context of the Workplace
Theoretical Perspectives on Work-Life Balance and Employee Loyalty
The Current Situation of the Public Sector Organisations in Maldives
Drivers of Work-Life Balance in Public Organisations
The Link between HRM Practices towards WLB and Employee Loyalty
The Business Case for Work-Life Balance and Employee Loyalty in Public Organisations
Ways of Achieving Work-Life Balance in Public Sector Organisations
Challenges Facing the Implementation of Work-Life Policies in the Public Sector
Methodological Issues
Conceptual Framework

3 – Research Methodology
Theoretical Framework for Research Methodology
Research Philosophy
Research Approach
Research Strategy
Instrument Choice
Data Collection Process
Questionnaire and Interview Protocol Design
Sampling
Reliability and Validity
Research Design
Framework for Data Analysis

4 – Data Analysis and Results
Quantitative Analysis
Profile of the Questionnaire Respondents
Current Status of WLB in Public Organisations
Barriers to Work-Life Balance
Job Satisfaction Measures and Loyalty to the Organisation
Qualitative Analysis
Importance Accorded To Employee Loyalty in Public Sector Organisations
Work-Life Balance Programs in the Public Sector Organisations
Work-Life Balance Challenges Encountered by the Organisation

5 – Discussions and Conclusions
The Relevance of Work-Life Practices to Public Sector Organisations
Work-Life Balance Issues at the Workplace
Preference for Work-Life Programs
Role Overload and Effect on Work-Life Balance
Work stress and Absenteeism
Work-Life Balance For Dual Careers Families
Organisational Culture
Factors to Consider During the Implementation of WLB Practices
Managerial Support
Effectiveness of various work-life practices on the organisation and employees
Line Managers’ Ability to Effectively Manage Flexible Workers
Pay and Its Effect on Work-Life Balance and Employee Loyalty
Job Satisfaction Factors and Employee Loyalty
Recommendations
Limitations and Directions for Future Research

References

Appendix Section
Questionnaire
Interview Protocol