Utilization of work-family balance support policy and factors associated with retention intention among married female officers with preschool children

Jo Eun Kwon, Gwang Suk Kim, Jeongok Park, Sue Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify utilization of the work-family support policy (WFSP) and factors affecting retention intention among Korean female military officers. Methods: This cross-sectional survey recruited 103 married female officers from the Korean Army, Navy, and Air force with preschool-aged children through convenience and snowball sampling. Via online surveys from June to November, 2018, the participants self-reported retention intention, work-family conflict, job satisfaction, and utilization of the WFSP. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression. Results: Retention intention (22.29±5.98) was reported at the mid-level, lower than scores reported in the literature for female workers. Work-family conflict (32.51±5.29) and job satisfaction (63.10±7.45) were above the midpoint levels. Use of maternity leave (100.0%) and parental leave (92.2%) was high, especially compared to the rates of child-care day off (20.4%) and parenting time (20.4%). ‘Noticeable increases in childcare services within the army’ (22.8%) was reported as the supportive measure needed the most by female military officers. Job satisfaction (β=.43, p≤.001), the use of parenting time (β=−0.29, p=.002), living type (β=−.18, p=.043), and service type (β=−.16, p=.035) significantly influenced retention intention. Conclusions: The findings highlight the priority areas of importance within the WFSP and suggest that a family-friendly culture can improve female officers' retention intention. Accordingly, policy changes at the Ministry of National Defense improving the system to enhance a family-friendly culture in the military is expected to strengthen the retention intention of female officers and contribute to excellence in the military workforce.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)329-344
Number of pages16
JournalKorean Journal of Women Health Nursing
Volume25
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019 Sept

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Korean Society of Women Health Nursing.

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Maternity and Midwifery
  • Advanced and Specialised Nursing
  • Health(social science)
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)

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