Structural Equation Modeling of Work–Life Balance among Working Women with Emphasis on Leisure Time Quality
Keywords:
Working women, leisure time, strategies, outcomesAbstract
The present study aimed to design and test a structural equation model of work–life balance among working women with an emphasis on leisure time quality and to identify its influential factors, strategies, and outcomes. This applied quantitative study was conducted within an interpretive paradigm. The statistical population included working women from the cities of Rasht, Tehran, Hamedan, Shiraz, and Mashhad, among whom 300 participants were selected using cluster random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire on work–life balance with an emphasis on leisure time quality, consisting of 92 items across 11 components. The validity of the instrument was confirmed through face, convergent, and discriminant validity, while reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability indices. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in SmartPLS 3.1.1 at a significance level of 0.05. The findings indicated that cultural factors (p=0.001), inhibitory factors (p=0.001), motivational factors (p=0.031), facilities and equipment (p=0.001), level of cognition (p=0.044), characteristics of physical activities (p=0.009), financial issues (p=0.001), managerial issues (p=0.009), and cultural issues (p=0.009) had significant effects on work–life balance strategies among working women. In addition, the strategies showed a significant relationship with the outcomes of work–life balance (p=0.001). The goodness-of-fit indices, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and composite reliability values confirmed the adequacy and fitness of the proposed structural model. The results suggest that achieving work–life balance among working women requires simultaneous attention to cultural, managerial, economic, motivational, and leisure-related factors. Developing leisure-time programs based on physical activity and organizational support can enhance psychological well-being, social vitality, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life among working women. Therefore, the proposed model may serve as an effective framework for managers, policymakers, and related organizations seeking to improve women’s work–life balance.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zahra Fazli (Author); Masoumeh Majidiparast; Ali Asghari Sarem, Mohammad Jalilvand (Author)
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