A Case Study of Work-Life Balance among Female Investigator

• Main Authors: Krishnan, Harularasan, Hutasuhut, Ida Juliana, Barawi, Mohamad Hardyman, Zahit, Ross Azura
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: HM Sociology
• Online Access: https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/30603/1/8th%20ICSC%202023%2093-105.pdf; https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/30603/
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

Life as a female investigator is undoubtedly challenging. The need to balance between work and family affairs is one of the challenges for a female investigator, especially with irregular working hours. The challenges faced by female investigators today are focused not only on reducing the crime index or maintaining border security but they also need to constantly develop professionalism in dealing with professional challenges and personal challenges. This study aimed to examine the phenomenon of worklife balance among female investigators in a law enforcement agency, including the problem faced, factors influencing them, and finding ways for improving the circumstances. This study was conducted at a law enforcement department, in Malaysia. A purposive sampling technique is used to select the informants of this study with the criteria of married female investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). They have a minimum of two years of service in the current department and are willing to share their experience voluntarily. Seven officers were selected and interviewed using semistructured interviews to gather rich data to answer all research questions built. Data were analyzed using content analysis. This study found that female investigation officers face difficulties balancing their work and personal life. Among the significant problems that they are facing is managing the conflict between personal/family and organizational commitment. This situation influences the occurrence of work-life conflict that requires personal skills improvement, management consideration, and family support to improve physical and emotional well-being.