Flexible working schedules in SMEs: Evidence from a developing country

Abstract

There has been a sustained interest in flexible work schedules (FWSs) because of the opportunities they offer in improving organizational efficiency and providing a more work–life balanced role for employees. Yet, less research attention has been focused on FWSs in SMEs in developing countries, which leaves much to be concerned about FWSs, its application and impacts in SMEs in developing countries especially in the context of Africa. Drawing on the theory of work adjustment and job demand resource model and using a survey data on SMEs from Ghana, the study theorizes and tests the relationship between FWSs and SMEs perceived profitability, employees' career satisfaction and productivity. The results from the analysis indicate that FWSs in SMEs in developing countries are positively associated with (perceived) profitability, employees' career satisfaction and productivity. The implications of these findings are discussed.