Work–Life Balance and Career Success in Higher Education: Examining the Moderating Role of Gender

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between work-life balance and career success among university faculty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with a particular focus on the moderating role of gender. Recognizing the growing importance of balancing professional and personal responsibilities in academia, the research investigates how effective work-life balance practices contribute to individuals’ perceptions of career achievement and progression. Grounded in Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, the study highlights how access to personal and organizational resources enables faculty members to manage competing demands, thereby enhancing their professional outcomes and long-term career success. A quantitative research design was employed using structured questionnaires distributed to faculty members across universities in the region. The study targeted a sample of 400 teaching faculty selected from a population of approximately 5,000 across 32 universities. Convenience sampling was used to ensure representation from diverse institutions and academic disciplines, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the variables under investigation. The findings reveal that work-life balance has a significant positive effect on career success, indicating that faculty who effectively manage their professional and personal roles experience greater satisfaction with career growth, achievement, and stability. The analysis further examined gender as a moderating variable; however, the results indicate that gender does not significantly alter the strength of the relationship between work-life balance and career success. This suggests that the benefits of work-life balance are largely consistent across male and female faculty members. The study offers important practical implications for higher education institutions, emphasizing the need to design inclusive work-life balance policies that support all faculty regardless of gender. By fostering resource-rich and supportive work environments, universities can enhance faculty well-being, sustain career development, and improve institutional effectiveness. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are also discussed.

Keywords: Work-life Balance, Career Success, Gender, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)