Global work-life management in multinational enterprises: A challenge for vertical integration

Abstract

We propose that there is both an academic and practical need to identify ways in which managers in multinational enterprises (MNEs) could develop a corporate work-life policy that balances global consistency with local responsiveness. We explore global work-life management in 11 MNEs by addressing the question of who has the responsibility, authority and accountability for work-life management in MNEs, and at what level. Our analysis leads to the identification of responsibilities for global work-life management.