Exploring Female Faculty Members' Perspectives on Flexible Working Arrangements (FWAs) in Saudi Arabian Higher Education Institutions: Implications for Job Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance.

Abstract

This qualitative study explores female faculty members' perspectives on flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions, with a focus on implications for job satisfaction and work-life balance. Through ten semi-structured interviews, the research examines the current state of FWAs implementation, the extent to which FWAs affect job satisfaction and work-life balance, and the main challenges in implementing FWAs. The findings reveal that while FWAs are present in some institutions, their implementation is largely informal and inconsistent, often relying on the decisions of department heads rather than formalised policies. Where available, FWAs positively impact job satisfaction by enhancing autonomy and productivity. They also contribute to work-life balance, particularly for women managing caregiving responsibilities. However, the study identified barriers to effective FWAs implementation, including institutional emphasis on physical presence, lack of performance metrics for flexible work, and resistance to technological change among older administrators. This study contributes to the limited literature on FWAs in Saudi Arabian higher education and provides recommendations for enhancing workplace flexibility.