Work-Life Balance and Employees’ Performance: The Mediating Role of Affective Commitment

Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of work-life balance on affective commitment and in-role performance and to explore the mediating role of affective commitment to link work-life balance and in-role performance in the Korean context. Design/methodology/approach: Through the literature review, the hypothesized model and hypotheses were developed. Using data gathered from 293 Korean workers, the current study tested hypotheses using structural equation modeling (SEM) and regression analysis. Findings: The results showed no direct effect of work-life balance on in-role performance. However, it was found that employees’ experience of work-life balance increases affective commitment and that affective commitment has a positive influence on in-role performance. Originality/value: Despite favorable outcomes of work-life balance and the increased interest in this topic, less attention has been made on what effect work-life balance has on employees’ attitudes and behaviors. Indeed, most of the studies to date on work-life balance have been conducted in Western countries, not in Asian countries. Thus, this study sought to understand work-life balance in Asian countries, especially in Korea, and to compare the results with those from studies conducted in Western countries. The findings of this study could be useful for Korean organizations to understand the role of work-life balance in employees’ personal and work life.