Work Life Balance: Demystifying the Myth among Modern Day Female Academics

Abstract

This paper provides a conceptual analysis of the work life balance initiatives adopted by female academics in South Africa. The intersecting identities and roles within home, work, community and society experienced by women pull them in multiple directions. Yet, there is limited research that has examined female academics` ability to balance work and personal life and overcome work life conflict. Therefore, it is necessary to review the facets that influence work life balance and the extent to which these facets can be demystified and the role of leadership. Based upon these important insights,the challenges of females work life balance areembedded in socio-cultural practices, personal variables and institutional factors.The implication of this study is that it will enable leaders, policy makers and the relevant stakeholders to come up with various ideologies, perspectives and interventions that enhance and/or promote work life balance among female academics in SA.

Keywords: Work life balance, Myth, Well-being, Females, Academics.