How do Professional Working Mothers Experience Conflicts in Balancing Work and Family? Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Democratization in the education system and the changes in social norm has led to a more significant role of women in Malaysia. In fact, women have been claimed as a group which has contributed a huge impact on the advancement of the country.  Despite the increasing participation of women in the Malaysian workforce, work-life balance of women employees has become a critical subject of discussion as we see women working in different areas of profession and sharing responsibilities equally with men both at work and at home for the betterment of their family life.  Work-family conflict (WFC) is an inter-role struggle that arises when the demands of the responsibilities of work and family are irreconcilable. The objective of this study is to explore experiences of professional working mothers at Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) to discover the conflicts they experience in balancing work and family. Qualitative research design has been employed using in-depth interview methods.  Snowball sampling techniques were selected and two (2) informants designated. The finding of this study has identified eight themes such as time management, priority, multitasking ability, support systems, difficulties in time arrangement, proper planning, mental health conditions and avoiding procrastination.