Work-life balance : a Q-methodological exploration of female managers’ perspectives within a South African state-owned enterprise

Abstract

This dissertation provides an analysis of the work-life balance experiences of women in managerial positions in a South African state-owned enterprise. It explores how these women cope with the demands and expectations of their work and non-work roles, and how they perceive and manage the conflicts and synergies between them. The research made use of Q-Methodology as the main approach of the study. The sample consisted of 40 women who held managerial positions in different departments within a South African state-owned entity. Data were gathered using a card sorting technique and post-Q sorting interviews as the follow-up to the sorting outcome. Analysis was done using Q-Methodology software, an online approach to collecting and analysing data. Eight themes regarding these female leaders’ work-life balance emerged. Recommendations for the organisation, the managers, and the employees who are interested in improving work-life balance experiences of women in managerial positions are then made.