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Human Relations
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Life-quality decisions: Tension-management strategies used by individuals when making tradeoffs

Amy E. Mickel

College of Business Administration at California State University, Sacramento, mickela{at}csus.edu

Elise J. Dallimore

College of Business Administration at Northeastern University, e.dallimore{at}neu.edu

An investigation of perceived tradeoffs associated with significant life-quality decisions yielded five tension-management strategies which include: a) adopting a guiding philosophy, b) engaging in an ongoing practice, c) perceiving tradeoffs as `nothing given up of value/importance', d) applying a present orientation, and e) applying a future orientation. These strategies emerge as ways working professionals in the United States manage tension. Findings suggest that the use of one or more of these strategies is related to perceptions of more gains than losses associated with decisions. Further, examining the use of these strategies adds insight regarding why some respondents making similar decisions perceive tradeoffs differently. In dealing with work—life issues, the authors promote the use of tension-management strategies which are enacted by individuals alone or in conjunction with organizationally enacted strategies.

Key Words: life-quality decisions • perceived tradeoffs • tension-centered approach • tension-management strategies • work—life issues

Human Relations, Vol. 62, No. 5, 627-668 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0018726709103453
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