Work-life flexibility practices in context: A gendered cross-cultural analysis

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of cultural contexts on work-life flexibility practices and employee productivity. Using extant theory from the work-life literature and gender egalitarianism, it examines whether flexible work practices are experienced differentially by men versus women in two varied cultural contexts (Australia and India). Results show that the use of flextime reduces the productivity of men more than women in a high-income individualistic cultural context (Australia); whereas the use of telecommute or vacation time enhances the productivity of men more than women in a relatively paternalistic cultural context (India). Using uniquely comparable samples of 177 and 166 respondents respectively, the study provides new evidence on the effects of cultural contexts on work-life flexibility practices, with important implications for work-life flexibility theory and practice. For work-life flexibility practices to be effective, managers need to implement practices that align with the gendered cultural norms within which they operate.