A comparison of family/work life experiences of South African female optometrist in different work settings
Date
2012-01-17
Authors
LEEUW, RWESI GABRIEL
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
South Africa has witnessed an increase in the number of women joining the labour
force since the onset of democratic change. While there is little or no literature on
women optometrist in South Africa, the assumption is that there has been an increase
2
in the number of women joining the optometric field as has been witnessed elsewhere
in the world.
The rationale behind this study is that the researcher realised the importance to:
ı Reduce the apparent increased staff turnover and higher levels of absenteeism.
ı Highlight work life balance as a strategic issue.
ı Reduce the strain put on families by the increase in women joining the
workforce.
The main aim of this study was to compare how different working settings impact on
the family work balance of the South African female Optometrist. The three work
settings investigated were self employed practice, public servant optometrist and a
private practice employee.
The main two stressors identified in these settings were working hours and work load.
Control of these stressors is seen as a moderating variable where the extent to which a
person can exert control over these stressors determines the extent to which she will
have a positive work family life. These stressors demands from an optometrist energy
and time as valuable resources to meet the expectations of the two life domains.
The literature review revealed that the self employed stands a better chance to have a
control over these stressors and therefore experience a positive work family life. It
was however found out that it is how a person responds to these stressors that really
determines work family balance. Another important factor that was uncovered is the
importance of family support structures like a supportive husband and other members
of the family like parents and domestic worker.
The research methodology was both quantitative and qualitative.
Description
MBA thesis - WBS
Keywords
Optometrists, Family/Work life experience