Transitioning between work and family roles as a function of boundary flexibility and role salience

This study investigates the manner in which people separate their work and family roles and how they manage the boundaries of these two important roles. Specifically, we focus on how role flexibility and salience influence transitions between roles. Results indicate that the ability and willingness to flex a role boundary and role salience are important predictors of transitions between roles. The joint effects of role flexibility and salience on transitions provided interesting results regarding the importance of role boundary flexibility and of the increasing importance attached to the family role. Limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications are discussed.