Setting the Scene

This chapter introduces key work-nonwork concepts and theories, providing readers with a firm foundation upon which research in this field is based. It begins in the 1970s, describing the context of early work-family research and its theoretical underpinning in role theory, whereby the work role was assumed to interfere with the family role and cause strain. It describes the conceptualization of work-family conflict in the 1980s and its expansion to work-nonwork conflict. Then, the shift toward enrichment is described, focusing on how work and life roles can enhance one another and positively spill over between domains. Next, foundational theories, including the Conservation of Resources theory, Ecological Systems theory, and the Work-Home Resources model, are introduced that explain how work-nonwork conflict and enrichment occur. From there, the integration of constructs in work-nonwork balance is described, initially grounded in role balance theory and later on person-environment fit theory. The chapter ends with meta-analytic research on the predictors and outcomes of work-nonwork conflict, enrichment, and balance, providing insight into what can improve role performance and satisfaction across domains.