Work Hard, Play Hard: Work-Life Balance in Small Business

Abstract

This chapter concerns work-life balance in small business models and compares work-life balance situations for both the owners of franchised and independently owned non-franchised small businesses. It provides a framework to assist and empower individuals to take control of their own outcomes, whilst managing the multiplicity of roles that constitute work and life. The research project follows a qualitative research method in the realist paradigm using case studies. It comprises a variety of data sources such as in-depth interviews, personally administered questionnaires, and interviewer observations. The concept of work-life balance has different meanings for many different people. Generally, most individuals in small business reconcile competing work and life demands on an ad hoc basis. This research is unique. It is the first empirical analysis conducted in Australia that compares the work-life balance of franchised and independent small business owners.