“It Is Not Possible to Balance It Easily”: A Phenomenological Study Exploring the Experience of Work-Family Conflict in Contemporary Chinese Society

This qualitative study aimed to explore the work-family conflict phenomenon in China, to extend our understanding of such a phenomenon experienced under a different cultural background outside of the West, and to help suggest the Chinese culturally specific variables related to the work-family conflict in China for future research. A purposive sample of 16 Chinese employees was interviewed. Using Creswell’s (2013) Phenomenological method, four themes and 17 sub-themes emerged through 269 significant statements. The participants described the work-family conflict as only a life experience or no more than a minor problem in life that has influenced their coping strategy (e.g., avoidance coping). It appeared that Chinese culture is akin to a double-edged sword that simultaneously eases and exacerbates work-family conflict (e.g., a greater level of family support came with more family obligation). After comparing the results with the previous Western findings, differences in the experience of work-family conflict were identified. Relevant factors related to the experience of work-family conflict were suggested, providing directions for future work-family conflict studies.