A multi-attribute analysis of work-leisure relationships

The purposes of this study were: (1 ) to use a multi-attribute approach to examine work-leisure relationships from the standpoint of tasks, skills and personal styles; (2) to investigate whether two sets of work/leisure relationship (spillover and compensation) may apply to a single dimension when the dimension in question is experienced differently by different people. The sample of this study consisted of 282 community residents in Knoxville, Tennessee, who worked in a variety of jobs and organizations. These people were administered a set of questionnaires which included items regarding their job, job behavior and job attribute preference descriptions, and descriptions of most and second most favorite leisure activities.

Seven dimensions were studied: working with others, using hands or tools, supervising others, helping others, being creative, being achievement-motived and being analytic-minded. For the spillover hypothesis, analysis of variance and bivariate correlation techniques were employed to test those workers who were satisfied with a given job attribute, individually for the seven dimensions. For the compensation hypothesis, analysis of covariance and partial correlation techniques were used to test those workers who were dissatisfied with a given attribute, individually for the same seven dimensions. Results indicated that spillover hypothesis was supported for four of the dimensions. Results of analyses of covariance showed that the compensation hypothesis was supported for two of the dimensions. Partial correlations of Job attribute preference and leisure were statistically significant for five dimensions. However, some of these correlation coefficients were so low that they have little practical significance. Results from both spillover and compensation hypothesis produced evidence supporting the argument of the present study. It was concluded that a greater emphasis needs to be placed on using the multi-attribute approach and on an individual's perceptions of work attributes in studying work-leisure relationships. Areas in which future studies should be conducted are also discussed.