Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Information Systems and Technology

Advisor

Matasha MurrellJones

Abstract

Small to medium enterprise (SME) information technology (IT) managers’ lack of strategic planning initiatives in creating a work life balance environment has created personal and financial concerns for some employees in the United States. Managers must develop and implement strategies that increase profits and productivity as well as create work life balance. Grounded in Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies SME IT business managers used to develop and implement an employee work-life balance environment. The participants were three IT managers and two human resources business managers. Data were collected from semistructured interviews, publicly available company documentation, and business review documentation provided by three IT managers and two human resources business managers. Yin’s five-step thematic analysis process was used to analyze data. Four themes emerged: (a) work-life balance, (b) communication, (c) flexibility, and (d) job satisfaction. Recommendations for business managers include implementing: (a) open forum discussions, (b) flex work/personal time, and (3) healthcare incentives. The implications for social change include the opportunity for those in the economy to experience increased hiring opportunities, less turnover, and fewer unemployment claims. Implementation of the strategies identified could lead to increased revenues that benefit the community and improve work-life balance. Reducing stress in employees’ personal lives could also promote clearer communication and job satisfaction.

Included in

Business Commons

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