Navigating The Media Maze: Perceived Work-Life Balance Among Women Journalists

Authors

  • Norsiah Abdul Hamid Universiti Utara Malaysia
  • Khairunnisa Kamal Azi Flextronics Technology Penang Sdn. Bhd.
  • Siti Syamsul Nurin Mohmad Yazam Universiti Utara Malaysia
  • Sabrina Mohd Rashid Universiti Utara Malaysia
  • Mohd Sobhi Ishak Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Abstract

Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is a dream for anyone with multiple roles to play in their daily routines. Women journalists are no exception, and their work requires them to possess a broad range of knowledge and skills to deliver accurate and timely information to the public. Despite having multiple responsibilities in their personal lives, women journalists have embraced this challenge. However, issues such as long working hours, inflexible work schedules, excessive workloads, the dual responsibility of childcare, workplace discrimination, lack of support from supervisors and family, and the spillover of work into family life can make it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This study aims to explore the perception of women journalists towards work-life balance. The Spillover and Role Theories offer insights into the challenges faced by women journalists in balancing their personal and professional lives. The study conducted in-depth interviews with 16 journalists, including single and married women, working in various environments at the media headquarters and state bureau. The perception towards work-life balance was categorised into three themes: work and family environment, mental well-being, and personality traits. This article highlights the difficulties that women journalists face in managing their diverse roles during the convergence period of the media industry and emphasises the need to address work-life balance concerns in the Malaysian media sector. Keywords: Women, journalists, work-life balance, Spillover Theory, Role Theory. https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2024-4001-07

Author Biographies

Norsiah Abdul Hamid, Universiti Utara Malaysia

Norsiah Abdul Hamid is an Associate Professor at the School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia. She obtained her Doctoral degree in Information Science from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Her areas of interest include media psychology, women and gender, and knowledge society. Email: nor1911@uum.edu.my

Khairunnisa Kamal Azi, Flextronics Technology Penang Sdn. Bhd.

Khairunnisa Kamal Azi is an Assembler Trainee at Flextronics Technology Penang Sdn. Bhd. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Cinematography from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and a master’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Universiti Utara Malaysia. Her research interests are media and broadcasting, editing and graphics design. Email: khairunnisakamal@gmail.com

Siti Syamsul Nurin Mohmad Yazam, Universiti Utara Malaysia

Siti Syamsul Nurin Mohmad Yazam obtained her degree in Information Technology (Hons.) from Universiti Utara Malaysia and her MA Advertising from RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. She is a lecturer of Media Technology at the School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, a programme assessor with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), a freelance master of ceremony, and a social media manager for her faculty as well as for UUM Alumni Association. Email: ssnurinmy@uum.edu.my

Sabrina Mohd Rashid, Universiti Utara Malaysia

Sabrina Mohd Rashid is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Multimedia Technology, School of Multimedia Technology and Communication (SMMTC), Universiti Utara Malaysia. She obtained her Doctoral degree from Lincoln University, New Zealand. Her areas of expertise include brand identity, internal culture and organisation identity. Email: sabrina@uum.edu.my 

Mohd Sobhi Ishak, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Mohd Sobhi Ishak obtained his Doctoral degree in Mass Communication from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and he is a Professional Technologist (Ts.) awarded by Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT). He is now a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Email: msobhi@ukm.edu.my

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Published

2024-03-31

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Vol. 40 No. 1 (2024)

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