The development of a work-life fit model:
A demands and resources approach
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Michelle Turner
BA, GradDipPsych, MPM
School of Property, Construction and Project Management
College of Design and Social Context
RMIT University
November 2012
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Declaration
I certify that except where due acknowledgement has been made, the work is that of the
author alone; the work has not been submitted previously, in whole or in part, to qualify for
any other academic award; the content of the thesis is the result of work which has been
carried out since the official commencement date of the approved research program; any
editorial work, paid or unpaid, carried out by a third party is acknowledged; and, ethics
procedures and guidelines have been followed.
Michelle Turner
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Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my principal supervisor, Professor Helen Lingard, for her support
throughout my candidature. Her guidance and encouragement were invaluable. I would
also like to thank my second supervisor, Professor Derek Walker, who provided guidance
and advice during the later stages of my thesis. Thank you both for a very positive and
rewarding experience.
I would also like to acknowledge the Head of School, Professor Ron Wakefield, for his
support and confidence in me, and for the support received from Dr. Tayyab Maqsood,
who me gave me the time and space to complete the thesis.
Thank you to Dr. John Carr, Dr. Amanda Wolf, and Peter Schmolck for your help with Q
Methodology. Your advice and generosity of time was much appreciated.
I would like to acknowledge my colleagues at the School of Property, Construction and
Property Management. Your ongoing encouragement, support and interest helped me
immensely, especially when the end seemed so far away.
Thank you to my family, friends and partner. Your absolute confidence and certainty that I
would get there helped me to get there. Thank you.
And finally, thanks to the participants of the research. Your time, openness, and willing
participation were invaluable.
