Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The purpose of this unit is to examine and debate the critical challenges facing individuals, families, and employers in managing work, family and life. It seeks to identify linkages between individuals, families, work environments, and society by studying the research that explores this interdependence. Implications of a number of radical changes (eg: increasing demographic and cultural diversity, greater emphasis on lifestyle balance by employed men and women, and changes in the way work is structured) on these linkages will be examined. Topics studied include work-family conflict, organisational work-life policies and programs, legal and business issues concerning work-life.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• identify and analyse the separation of work, family and personal life from a historical perspective
• identify the social and demographic changes of recent decades that have altered the once established dynamics of work, family and personal life
• analyse how gender, class, and culture affects work/life linkages
• identify the issues regarding the business and legal case for work-life initiatives
• identify and analyse workplace and government policy initiatives aimed at helping individuals manage work, family and life roles.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Contact hours

3 hours per week