Are four days better than five? Academic Staff's behavioural intention toward a four-day workweek in Malaysia

The evolving demands of the modern workplace have accelerated the adoption of flexible working arrangements (FWAs), including the four-day workweek (4DWW), particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While 4DWW initiatives have gained traction in Western contexts, their implementation in Malaysia remains limited due to labour shortages, economic uncertainty, and institutional inertia. This study investigates the behavioural intention of academic staff in private higher education institutions in Malaysia towards adopting the 4DWW. Drawing on the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA), the study examines the influence of subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and attitude on behavioural intention, with marital status tested as a moderator and attitude as a mediator. Using data from 154 academics in Klang Valley collected through an online survey, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse direct and indirect effects. Results indicate that subjective norms and perceived behavioural control significantly influence behavioural intention, with attitude serving both as a key predictor and mediator. Moreover, marital status moderates the attitude-intention relationship, with married academics showing stronger support for the 4DWW. The findings offer empirical and theoretical insights relevant for policy design and implementation within Malaysia's higher education sector.