Work-family conflicts of working fathers holding managerial positions in the hospitality industry

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research is to explore how fathers, who work in the hospitality industry, who hold a managerial post, and who are in a dual or semi dual-earner relationship, manage their family role together with their professional roles. The study provides an overview of the hurdles they have to overcome in order to try and strike a balance between both roles. Their experience of Work-Family conflict has been assessed. Studies have shown that the number of working fathers experiencing Work-Family conflict is on the rise globally.

Eight semi-structured interviews were held with fathers who hold a managerial post in the hospitality Industry, in order to achieve the aim of this study. Data collected from this research was analysed using the Thematic Analysis approach.

From the research undertaken it resulted that one of the main factors which makes it difficult for working fathers to strike a balance between work and family life is the high work demands prevalent in the hospitality industry. The extent to which participants are able to manage and limit work-family conflict is highly dependent on the support of their spouse.