– This paper aimed to explore the relationship between flexibility i-deals and employee attitudes. The authors developed theory and tested a non-linear model between i-deals and perceived organizational support (POS), and career satisfaction.
– Hierarchical linear modeling using multisource data collected in a field study from 207 employees and 39 managers supported the hypotheses.
– Consistent with the proposed non-linear model, low and high levels of flexibility i-deals were associated with high POS and career satisfaction. At moderate levels of i-deals, employee attitudes were lower.
– Though non-linear relationships are unlikely to result from multi source common method data, the cross-sectional study design limits the authors from claiming causality between the variables of interest. This study is an important step towards elucidating the complex nature of relationship between flexibility i-deals and employee outcomes.
– Organizations must heed the needs of employees who seek accommodations in their work schedule. However, organizations should be cognizant of the associated implications at different levels of flexibility granted.
– I-deals partly satisfied employees' need for affiliation by strengthening their emotional bonds with the organization (i.e. POS). I-deals also enhanced employees' career satisfaction which is an important component of self-actualization. By meeting employees' higher order needs i-deals have the potential to create a workplace that provides overall wellbeing rather than just a living.
– This is the first study to investigate non-linear relationships between flexibility i-deals and employee attitudes.
