Abstract
This survey study (N = 206) focused on the relationship between perceived lockdown intensity (PLI) and work engagement, the mediating role of work-family conflict (work-family and family-work conflict) and the moderating role of family supportive supervisor behaviour during the times of COVID-19. Building on insights from Organizational Behaviour (Job-Demands Resources Model), HRM [ability, motivation, and opportunity (AMO) theory], and management (telework and social isolation) literature, our mediation moderation model showed that PLI is directly related to work engagement and to work-family conflict, and that work-family conflict was not a mediator. In fact, the work-to-family conflict dimension was found to have a positive relationship with work engagement. Furthermore, family supportive supervisor behaviour in the time of COVID-19 was not a moderator, but instead was found to reduce work-life conflict and work engagement. This implies that supportive leadership styles facilitates employees in combining work and family in the time of COVID-19, which subsequently can sustain work engagement. The paper discusses the implications of these findings for future research and management practice.
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van Engen, M., Peters, P., van de Water, F. (2023). Perceived Lockdown Intensity, Work-Family Conflict and Work Engagement: The Importance of Family Supportive Supervisor Behaviour During the COVID-19 Crisis. In: Bergum, S., Peters, P., Vold, T. (eds) Virtual Management and the New Normal. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06813-3_18
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