A qualitative study on work-family conflict, social support and response mechanisms of individuals working in multi-national corporations

Abstract

India, as a country, has witnessed some dynamic changes in the social and economic environment in the last two decades. The opening up of the economy as a result of economic reforms saw the coming in of multi-national corporations in a big way. This affected the lifestyle of people and more importantly, the nature of jobs changed substantially. Multi-national corporations brought with them a work culture that was highly challenging and, at the same time, highly rewarding. This opened up a plethora of opportunities for young and middle-aged job seekers. The rewards associated with working in a challenging work environment were so attractive that an increasing majority of people preferred working in such an environment. Another change that was simultaneously brewing in the socio- cultural environment was an increasing number of women joining the workforce. More and more women were getting degrees in higher education and seeking jobs in these multi-national corporations. Women in India had a presence in the job market earlier too, especially in the rural sectors, but growth in employment opportunities from the mid-nineties onward saw an increase in female participation in the workforce.