Investigating the missing link in flexible work arrangement utilization: An individual difference perspective

The present study investigates the relationship between individual differences and flexible work arrangement use. Three need-based motivational factors (need for affiliation at work, need for segmentation of work from other life roles, need for occupational achievement) were examined in relation to extent of flextime and flexplace use. Additionally, the moderating roles of an organizational variable (face-time orientation) and family variable (family responsibility) were tested. Using a sample of university faculty, we found that need for segmentation negatively related to both flextime and flexplace use as predicted. Some evidence for the moderating role of family responsibility was also found. The findings underscore the importance of considering both the individual and the environment as drivers of flexible policy use. Further implications and future directions are discussed.