The work-home interaction of South African working females

Abstract

The general objectives of this study were to determine the work-home interaction of South African working females, to investigate the prevalence of work-home interaction and to determine if differences concerning work-home interaction exist between different demographical groups. An availability sample (n = 500) was taken from working females within six provinces of South Africa. The SWING and a demographical questionnaire were administered. Structural equation modelling (SEM) showed that a four-factor model, that measures both the direction (work-home interaction and home-work interaction) and the quality (positive or negative) of interaction, fitted the data best. All four factors were reliable, according to the Cronbach alpha coefficients. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to establish differences between work-home interaction and different demographic characteristics. Statistically significant differences exist between demographic groups based on race, language, occupation, parental status, household situation and freedom to arrange circumstances. Recommendations were made for further research