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CONCEPTUALIZATIONS OF WORK, FAMILY AND LEISURE BY MANAGERS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY *
Author(s) -
Knowles M.C.,
Taylor Diana
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
international journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.75
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1464-066X
pISSN - 0020-7594
DOI - 10.1080/00207599008247924
Subject(s) - dimension (graph theory) , obligation , psychology , control (management) , work (physics) , moral obligation , social psychology , leisure time , fell , public relations , physical activity , management , law , political science , mechanical engineering , medicine , mathematics , pure mathematics , economics , physical medicine and rehabilitation , engineering , paleontology , biology
This study analysed the way 20 managers in the information technology industry in Australia viewed their lives, and identified two dimensions of central importance cutting across the work, family and leisure spheres encompassed by them. One dimension was positively loaded towards activities which were challenging, creative and under the individual's control. These activities were enjoyable, and included examples such as consulting with clients, creating new business, and communicating and dealing with others, whether at work or at home. The opposite pole of this dimension involved activities such as completing paperwork, general administration, doing the shopping, and disciplining the children. Such activities were seen as necessary, routine or stressful, and were generally disliked. The other dimension dealt with activities which, at one pole, were emotionally involving or involved moral standards, and included examples such as attending meetings, doing things as a family, and settling disputes, either at work or at home. At the other pole were activities which were usually done alone and involved no sense of social or moral obligation. Leisure activities typically fell into this category. The results indicated that these managers generally pursued a lifestyle which was seen to be non‐stressful, and one valued for the challenge, enjoyment, freedom of choice and personal control which it offered.