Be Careful What You Ask For: Structuration Theory and Work/Life Accommodation

An analysis of 96 employee requests for accommodation revealed the rules and resources that govern the negotiation of work/life issues in organizations. Using Giddens' structuration theory, the authors identified six rules and three resources commonly employed in seeking assistance in achieving work/life balance and identified ways that these rules and resources reproduce and challenge the system. Implications for managers, employees, and researchers are discussed.