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Articles

Vol. 33 (2013)

Cross-Generational Perspectives on Work-Life Balance and its Impact on Women's Opportunities for Leadership in the Workplace

  • Deborah B. Roebuck
  • Deborah N. Smith
  • Terri El Haddaoui
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21423/awlj-v33.a96
Submitted
June 16, 2017
Published
2017-06-12

Abstract

This qualitative study focuses on how women of three different generations, Generation Y, Generation X and Baby Boomers, view the concept of work-life balance and what relationship these views have to their attainment of workplace leadership positions. Work-life balance was defined differently across the three generations, but the generational lines faded as most women reported struggling with finding a balance. Some women conveyed choosing not to pursue high-level leadership positions as the personal cost was too high. Those who had obtained high-level leadership positions shared what types of support were most effective in helping them juggle personal and professional obligations. A general theory became apparent; the answer for women may not be balancing, but rather integrating work-life commitments.