Can Professionally-employed Mothers Have It All? | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR
Supportive work environments positively influence the self-efficacy of new mothers, ultimately affecting their turnover decisions.
Key Insights
- 💦 Supportive work environments and perceived manager support have a positive impact on the self-efficacy of working mothers and reduce turnover intentions.
- 💦 Role models in the workplace, regardless of whether they are mothers, can influence the self-efficacy of working mothers, providing examples of successful work-family balance.
- 🤳 Job self-efficacy mediates the relationship between perceived manager support and turnover intentions, showing the importance of feeling confident in one's job performance.
Transcript
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Questions & Answers
Q: How does perceived manager support influence the self-efficacy of working mothers?
Perceived manager support plays a vital role in the self-efficacy of working mothers. When managers empathize with work-family needs and are supportive, working mothers feel more confident in their ability to balance their roles as employees and mothers, reducing turnover intentions.
Q: How do role models in the workplace influence the self-efficacy of working mothers?
Role models, regardless of whether they are mothers or not, who display successful work-family balance influence the self-efficacy of working mothers positively. Seeing others who are able to navigate the challenges of being a working parent can boost a mother's belief in her own ability to manage work and motherhood effectively.
Q: Does job self-efficacy have an impact on turnover intentions?
Yes, job self-efficacy has a mediating effect on turnover intentions. When working mothers feel confident in their abilities and believe they are doing a good job at work, they are less likely to consider leaving their jobs. Job self-efficacy serves as a buffer against turnover intentions.
Q: How do microaggressions impact the self-efficacy of working mothers?
While not directly addressed in this study, microaggressions can negatively affect the self-efficacy of working mothers. Comments or actions from colleagues or supervisors that question a mother's ability to balance work and motherhood can lead to feelings of inadequacy and affect self-efficacy in both roles.
Summary & Key Takeaways
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This seminar series at the Harvard Kennedy School focuses on closing gender gaps in health, education, and political and economic participation.
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The speaker, Jamie Ladge, discusses how supportive work environments shape the self-efficacy and turnover decisions of new mothers.
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The study primarily focuses on first-time mothers and their experiences of balancing work and motherhood, particularly around the question of whether they can "have it all".
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