AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF A SYSTEMS MODEL OF FAMILY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (HOME MANAGEMENT)

摘要

This study was designed to empirically test a systems model of family resource management using data from the 1975-81 Time Use Longitudinal Panel Study. Data collected from 374 husband-wife couples during 1980-81 were applied to the operational model.;Specifically, the study was designed to operationalize and test a systems model of management for (1) the independent effects of input and throughput in the prediction of output, as well as (2) the causal relationships among the composite input and throughput variables in the prediction of output. Demands, material resources, and human resources comprised input, including time use over a seven day period aggregated into four categories. Using Varimax rotated principal components analysis, eight factors were extracted from 34 items assessing managerial behavior. The resulting dimension scale scores represented throughput in the model.;Output, by definition, encompasses individual satisfaction. Using Varimax rotated principal components analysis, seven factors were extracted from 19 questions assessing life satisfaction. The resulting dimension scores, representing satisfaction with personal belongingness, economic status, family, household production, personal autonomy, self-esteem, and educational attainment, were the dependent variables for the subsequent analysis. An additional dependent variable assessing satisfaction with life was calculated.;Regression analyses and related F tests revealed that the equations incorporating input and throughput from both members of the couple were superior to those using predictor variables from only one spouse. Similar analysis revealed that inclusion of throughput significantly increased the explanation of variance for both spouses.;Significant predictor variables were aggregated into input and throughput composites for path analysis of the causal relationship. Results provided some support for the proposition that output is a function of input and throughput. The direct effects of input on output were consistently stronger than the indirect effects as mediated by throughput.;In general, results of the study supported the model specification and relationships. Results clearly verified the prediction of satisfaction as an output. Explanation of variance for the wives generally exceeded that for the husbands. The diversity of the aspects of life satisfaction supported the proposed broad applicability of management theory.