Abstract
D.Comm.
The aim of this study is to develop an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon
of life balance in the lives of South African professional women, and to develop a
Life Balance Questionnaire to measure this phenomenon. The study was
approached qualitatively, applying the Grounded Theory method, with a
systematic set of procedures to develop and derive at a theory inductively.
The purposeful sampling method was used in combination with the chain
reference sampling technique. In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty
four selected participants, then a group session was held to confirm identified
themes and concepts and to form a theoretical framework.
The literature review reveals that professional women in the 21 st century face an
exceptional challenge in balancing the multiple tasks associated with their
homemaker and work roles. The phenomenon of life balance therefore seems to
become an important consideration in the lives of professional women. The main findings in this study indicate that South African professional women of
different cultural backgrounds experience similar pressures and challenges. The
findings also indicate that, to define the phenomenon of life balance, all roles
performed by an individual throughout her life need to be considered, as what
constitutes life balance for one person might not apply to another. Selfawareness
is identified as the main point of departure for achieving life balance.
This implies that it is important to accept "who you are" and "what is important to
you", and to take responsibility for the choices you make. It is concluded that life
balance is cyclical, so it is important to be aware of it as a process, rather than an
end, and as a tool for achieving personal growth. Life balance is, therefore, not defined as "one, single ultimate experience", but as individual experiences over
time, or, rather, as "life balance moments".
The final conclusion is that two main types of factors influence and support life
balance, namely internal or influential factors and external or supporting factors.
Internal factors include self-awareness, the ability to know and understand
oneself, to take responsibility for decisions and life choices, to understand and
deal with personal fears, the application of proactive coping strategies, a positive
attitude towards life and chosen demands, and trust in others for assistance and
support. External variables include situational conditions, societal views and
attitudes, support structures, organisational values and support, and literature
and training programmes. To illustrate and confirm the conclusions of this study, two Life Balance Models
are developed to represent a definitional and process approach to the theme.
The study concludes with a proposed "Life Balance Questionnaire" aimed at
measuring life balance in the lives of professional women. The testing and
validation of the "Life Balance Questionnaire" do not form part of the study.