A qualitative inquiry into work-family conflict among Indian doctors and nurses

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Pal, Suchitra

Affiliations: Centre for Research on Occupational and Life Stress, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Suchitra Pal, PhD, Plot No 6GH/ 1150/C17, Sector-9, Markatnagar, Cuttack 753014, Orissa, India. Tel.: +47 735 50865; E-mail: Suchitra.pal@svt.ntnu.no, Suchitra2208@yahoo.com

Abstract: Objective: The aims of this pilot study were to identify and examine job control, working long hours and their impact on work and family conflict (WFC) among four Indian doctors and nurses. Participants: The four participants had previously worked in the west and were now working in India. Methods: Employing a grounded theory approach data were analyzed using several coding procedures geared toward model development. Results: For these four Indian doctors and nurses, job control was found to be grounded in two factors: type of work group control and a lack of control in the work environment. Conclusions: Working long hours is seen to be possible due to a culture accepting of working long hours, a supportive family system, and other arrangements at home.

Keywords: Grounded theory, job control, working hours

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1351

Journal: Work, vol. 42, no. 2, pp. 279-288, 2012