Work-family conflict and high-quality relationships in construction project management: the effect of job and life satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose - Work-family conflict is one of the most challenging stressors for construction industry professionals to cope with emotional problems. This study aims to propose a model linking work-family conflict and high-quality relationships among project team members and explore mediating effects of life and job satisfactions. Design/methodology/approach - A theoretical framework was established based on the spillover theory and social exchange theory. Data were obtained by a questionnaire survey conducted with 328 respondents working in construction projects. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test interrelationships among work-family conflict, job satisfaction, life satisfaction and high-quality relationship. Findings - The results indicate that work-family conflict is negatively associated with both job and life satisfactions of construction professionals. In addition, there were direct and positive relationships between satisfaction domains and high-quality relationship capacity. The findings further support that job satisfaction plays a mediating role between work-family conflict and high-quality relationship among construction professionals, while life satisfaction does not mediate the relationship. Originality/value - The effects of interrole conflicts on the context of satisfaction have been investigated previously; however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding its influence on high-quality relationship among project team members. This study extends the body of knowledge on high-quality relationships among project team members to understand how conflict and satisfaction factors influence interpersonal relationships in construction project management.