Work-Family Conflict And Work-Life Balance Among Nurses Of Papuan Ethnicity

Abstract

In Southwest Papua, a patriarchal system continues to perpetuate gender injustice, particularly affecting native Papuan women's ability to achieve their dreams or pursue careers, especially for those who are married. Despite these systemic barriers, Papuan women strive to realize their ambitions, with many choosing nursing as a profession. Nurses in this region face significant responsibilities, including their job duties, family care, and adherence to cultural customs, which create conflicts, pressures, and demands that make achieving work-life balance challenging. This study investigates the relationship between work- family conflict and work life balance among Papuan nurses working in hospitals in Southwest Papua. The hypothesis is a negative relationship between work-family conflict and work-life balance, that higher work-family conflict correlates with lower work-life balance, while lower work-family conflict correlates with higher work-life balance. A quantitative approach was utilized, employing the Work-Life Balance Scale (α = 0.860) and the Work-Family Conflict Scale (α = 0.843). The study sample consisted of 77 Papuan nurses who met the criteria of working in hospitals and having husbands and children aged 0-17 years. Data analysis was conducted using the Karl Pearson product-moment correlation method. The findings revealed a correlation coefficient of -0.814 with <0.00, confirming the hypothesis. This negative correlation indicates that as work-family conflict increases, work-life balance decreases. The study concludes that work-family conflict significantly impacts the work-life balance of Papuan nurses working in hospitals. These findings underscore the substantial challenges faced by these nurses in balancing professional and personal responsibilities, exacerbated by cultural and systemic pressures. Addressing these conflicts is crucial for improving the work life balance and overall well-being of healthcare professionals in Southwest Papua.