Exploring the Relationship of Work-life Conflict and Intention to Turnover: A Case of Teaching Hospitals of Karachi

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence and nature of both dimensions of work-life conflict namely Work-family and Family-work, which are located within the psychosocial work environment of health care professional of Pakistan and explores their relationship with the intention to turnover. The effects of socio-demographic factors on the individual professional's work-life conflict and intention to turnover’s inter-relation are also examined. Data was collected by questionnaires from health care professional working in a teaching hospital of Karachi during November 2013. One hundred and thirty two health care professionals (response rate 66%) participated in the survey. Work-life conflict was measured using modified WAFC scale, measuring two distinct constructs: work to family conflict and family to work conflict and intention to turnover was gauged using modified Intention to Stay Scale. Socio-demographic factors were also measured and the inter-relation of all variables was determined.Work-family conflict was found to be somewhat present shown by mean of 3.4 on 5 point scale whereas family-work conflict was rather low (3.03). Intention to turnover was about average (3.23), showing most of the participants were neutral to it. A positive relationship was found between work-family, family-work conflict and intention to turnover in health care professionals of a teaching hospital of Karachi. Some socio-demographic factors were also found to have a mediating effect on this inter-relation.