Work-life conflict and work engagement: which drives the other? A fuzzy-set Approach

Abstract

We employed fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate the relationship between work engagement and worklife conflict among 416 employees from five organisations. By using a set-theoretic approach, the research addresses the ‘chicken or the egg’ dilemma of whether work engagement increases work-life conflict or if work-life conflict leads to reduced work engagement. Unlike previous studies that individually analysed components of work engagement, including vigour, dedication, and absorption, using regression techniques, this study considers work engagement as a holistic configuration of these factors. The findings reveal that specific life-to-work conflict dimensions contribute to a lack of work engagement, with no evidence supporting that work engagement causes work-to-life conflict. By using fsQCA, an asymmetric technique, this study also provides empirical support that work engagement and the lack (negation) of work engagement are separate constructs rather than two sides of the same coin. Thus, their drivers can be different.