Teachers motivation and work-family conflict: perceptions of Fil-Am teachers

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between motivation and experienced work-family conflict (WFC). The sample consisted of 105 K-12 Filipino-American teachers in Maryland, USA. The data used in the survey were collected electronically using a Motivation Scale and a Work-Family Conflict Scale. The results from the Motivation scale showed an overall mean of 6.15 (S.D. = 0.75) with a qualitative description of ‘agree’. Specifically on motivating factors or factors that are intrinsic in nature, the respondents posted a pooled mean of 6.30 (SD = 0.63) with a qualitative description of ‘strongly agree’ while on hygiene or maintenance factors, respondents had a pooled mean of 5.99(SD = 0.75) with a qualitative description of ‘agree’, respondents Work-Family Conflict Scale revealed that overall the teachers recorded a mean score of 2.42(SD = 1.15) out of a possible 5. The teachers ‘moderately agree’ that they experienced time- and strain- based work interference with family (WIF) and strain- based family interference with work (FIW). They posted the answer ‘disagree’ that they experienced time- and strain-based FIW, as well as either of the two behavior-based interferences (WIF and FIW). Correlation analysis using Pearson r showed that there was a highly significant negative relationship between hygiene factors and strain-based WIF as well as between hygiene factors and behavior-based WIF. There was also a negative relationship between hygiene factors and behavior-based FIW. This means that as maintenance needs are being met (i.e. salaries, favorable working conditions, etc.) the teachers are feeling more energized when they transition from work roles to family roles. In addition, meeting these needs incentivize teachers to abide by behavior expectations thus intrusion from other roles. There was no relationship between the motivating factors and all six categories of WFC. Likewise, between hygiene factors and both time-based interferences (WIF and FIW) as well as between hygiene factors and strain-based FIW.