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Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? Unpacking the Effects of Flexitime and Flexiplace: a Study on MENA Region

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Abstract

Based on the social exchange theory, this study aims to examine the effects of both flexitime and flexiplace on work-family conflict and, in turn, on job stress. It further tests the moderating effects of traditional gender role beliefs by drawing upon the ideal worker and social role theories. Data were collected online from 302 academics working at universities in the MENA region. Responses were analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling. Findings demonstrate that both flexitime and flexiplace enhance work-family conflict and job stress, respectively, among academics. Additionally, the results reveal that traditional gender role beliefs moderate the effects of flexitime and flexiplace on work-family conflict, such that the effects are stronger (weaker) for those who adhere more (less) to traditional gender role beliefs. However, trust in the faculty moderates those effects such that the effects are stronger (weaker) for those who score low (high) on trust.

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Notes

  1. Trust in the faculty refers to the confidence that university professors place in faculties as institutions (administrators) and not in university professors. Trust and trust in the faculty are used interchangeably in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Amina Amari

  2. Department of Management, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland

    Mohamed Mousa

  3. IDRAC Business School, 4 Rue Paul Bernies, 31200, Toulouse, France

    Walid Chaouali

  4. Faculty of Law, Economics and Management of Jendouba, University of Jendouba, Avenue de l’U.M.A , 8189, Jendouba, Tunisia

    Walid Chaouali

  5. Carthage Business School, University of Tunis Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia

    Walid Chaouali & Narjess Aloui

  6. College of Administrative and Financial Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Zohra Ghali-Zinoubi

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Correspondence to Mohamed Mousa.

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Amari, A., Mousa, M., Chaouali, W. et al. Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde? Unpacking the Effects of Flexitime and Flexiplace: a Study on MENA Region. Public Organiz Rev 23, 1333–1352 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11115-022-00667-0

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