The Impact of Environmental Uncertainty on the Work-life Balance of Single Mothers: The Moderating Role of Organizational Support

This research proposal aims to elucidate how perceptions of environmental uncertainty affect the work-life balance of single mothers, and to explore the moderating role of organizational support in this relationship. This involves understanding the tensions between professional and personal roles that single mothers encounter, while dealing with increased environmental volatility and limited resources.

Such insights are drawn upon literature review and developed into three hypotheses for empirical evaluation.

In terms of methodology, this study will utilize a multi-wave, multiple-source data collection approach featuring 150 groups of single mothers and their immediate supervisors. Data will be collected in three stages through structured

questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and Mplus. Prior to hypothesis testing, control variables such as cultural background and organization size will be accounted for, given their potential influence on work-life balance and responses towards environmental uncertainty.

This research is theoretically significant as it addresses a gap within the existing literature, focusing on a specific, under-studied demographic - single working mothers. The proposed theory and hypotheses add depth to the understanding of psychological stresses and coping mechanisms prevalent among single working mothers, which is critical to advancing work-life balance research.

From a practical perspective, the results of this study are intended to guide organizations in supporting single mothers and enhancing their work-life balance, which ultimately affects organizational performance and employee well-being. In particular, the study highlights the role of organizational support in both tangible and psychological forms.

The research findings could help design workplace policies that effectively address mental health issues and stressors induced by environmental uncertainty. Future studies are recommended to further broaden the scope to other demographic groups, with an aim to foster a diversified, inclusively supportive work environment. This research is expected to offer substantial contributions to both academia and industry, providing valuable insights into the work-life experiences of single mothers and facilitating the formulation of effective organizational strategies that cater to this group.