WORK-FAMILY CULTURE IN FOUR ORGANIZATIONS IN FINLAND Examining antecedents and outcomes

The main objective of this study was to examine work-family culture in four organizations in Finland (n = 1,114). Specifically, we attempted to clarify whether perceived work-family culture would vary according to gender, economic sector and type of organization. Furthermore, we investigated whether these perceptions would be related to employee self-reported well-being. The study data were gathered during 2001 by a questionnaire filled in by personnel from four different organizations, i.e. a municipal social and healthcare department (n = 496), a municipal education department (n = 232), a paper mill (n = 183) and an IT organization (n = 199). The first two organizations represented the public sector and the latter two the private sector in the Finnish economy. The results showed, first, that work-family culture was assessed more positively within the public sector organizations than in the private sector. Second, the work-family culture was experienced least positively in the paper mill and most positively in the municipal education department. Third, there were also variations between same-sector organizations, i.e. the paper mill and the IT organization. Finally, it emerged that poorer perceptions of work-family culture were related to decreased work-family balance, job satisfaction and positive job-related mood experiences.