Toward a Theory of Public Relations Practitioners' Own Conflict: Work Versus Life

This study took a first step to build a theory understanding public relations practitioners' work-life balance. Through a national sample of Public Relations Society of America members, we examined what factors influence practitioners' perceptions of work-life conflict and what kind of impact such perceived work-life conflict may have on their income and career path. Analysis of online survey data of 820 practitioners found that a more family-supportive organizational work environment overall would minimize practitioners' reported work-life conflict. Gender did matter, especially in explaining strain-based conflict perceived by practitioners. Last, women whose career was interrupted earned significantly more than those whose career was not.