The influence of family dynamics on the productivity of working mothers in DaimlerChrysler SA

Abstract

Nurturing both a family and career can be an exhausting, draining and frustrating challenge. It is often a conflicting struggle to balance the responsibilities of motherhood and the workplace. Even though roles within the family and workplace are in a constant state of change, it is still expected of women to be primarily responsible for family matters. This qualitative study attempted to focus on the perceptions, experience and meaning that the mother has on the influence of her family dynamics in the context of her life, on her productivity at DaimlerChrysler, through descriptive research. Focus group interviews were utilized as a data collection method. The researcher made use of an interview schedule guiding the interviews. The population consisted of 110 working mothers and a sample of 30 respondents was used. Although all 30 respondents confirmed, workload prevented them from attending the group sessions. Three focus group interviews were held with 17 respondents. In the first group six respondents attended, the second group consisted of another six and the third group had five respondents all from DaimlerChrysler Services in Centurion. Data was transcribed from tape recordings of the interviews with the necessary consent from respondents. An in depth literature study was launched after data collection to ensure objectivity and no preconceived perceptions. The research focused on two aspects during the literature study namely the systems in which the working mother is involved and part of, and productivity in the workplace. Five themes were identified during the data analysis. The researcher came to the conclusion that family dynamics do have an influence on the productivity of the working mother, but within DaimlerChrysler the influence is not as visible.