Family supportive organization perceptions and employee outcomes: the mediating effects of life satisfaction

Abstract

Social exchange theory was used to understand employee perceptions of organizational support for work-family issues in this study of 373 employees from 40 New Zealand firms. These perceptions of family support were found to positively influence job and life satisfaction, and negatively influence turnover intentions and job burnout. Consequently, there is strong support for firms supporting work-family issues leading employees to reciprocate with superior outcomes. In addition, the mediating effects of life satisfaction were explored, as there have been calls to test the effects of existing relationships outside the workplace. While life satisfaction was not found to fully mediate any attitude, it did partially mediate all outcomes. Similarly, life satisfaction was also a significant predictor of all outcomes. This indicates that the role of firms in providing a supportive work-family climate is important and can consistently contribute to employee outcomes. Furthermore, the role of non-work attitudes is also important to acknowledge, and highlights the need to explore non-work aspects as potential mediators of work outcomes in social exchange relationships.