PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT

Briana Jessica Bastian
Industrial/Organizational
Summer 2004

Work/Family Benefits Preferences: Assessing Differences by Gender and Ethnic Minority Status

    This study determined which groups place the greatest importance on work/family benefits (e.g., childcare, maternity/paternity leave, telecommuting) and how important work/family benefits are when deciding to pursue a job or accept an employment offer. The results of this study provide support for gender and ethnicity differences in the perceived value of work/family benefits and the perceived importance of work/family benefits when deciding to accept a job offer. As expected, women assigned significantly higher importance ratings to work/family benefits than men, and compared to their non-minority (Caucasian) counterparts, ethnic minorities (Non-Caucasians) placed greater importance on and reported higher utilization of eldercare benefits. In addition, ethnic minorities perceived work/family benefits overall as significantly more important than did Caucasian employees. Ethnic minorities also reported higher utilization of work/family benefits. Implications and future research opportunities are presented.

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