Organizational Messages about Work and Life
Date
2004-01
Authors
Hoffman, Mary
Cowan, Renee
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Organizations wield great power over the structure of
contemporary life. This research investigates the construction of work/life issues on websites of companies on Fortune's 2004 list of “100 Best Companies to Work for." Using cluster analysis, the authors identify the organizations' ideology of work/life issues: 1) “balance” is the goal, and it is to be achieved primarily through individual rather than organizational efforts; 2) work and life are to be treated as separate domains; 3) “life” usually means “family;” 4) work/life programs are “benefits” rather than “rights;” and 5) work/life programs exist for the economic benefit of the
organization. The implications of this ideology and directions for future research are explored.
Description
Research Enhancement Program Final Report
Keywords
Work, Life, Websites, 100 Best Companies
Citation
Hoffman, M. (2004). <i>Organizational messages about work and life</i>. Research Enhancement Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.