Engagement in Multiple Roles: An Investigation of the Student-Work Relationship

Abstract

This study of 360 undergraduate business school students investigates the impact of the added role of paid worker to a student’s well-being as well as role balance, role quality and role conflict. The extension of the work-family literature provided the theoretical underpinnings of the relationship between multiple roles and student success. Tests of the hypotheses provided strong support for the depletion argument of interrole conflict. Implications of the results on student learning and education, as well as for organizations, are discussed and suggestions for future research presented.