ABSTRACT
This chapter adopts a culture-as-dimensions perspective in examining societal work-family decisions. Individualism-collectivism is one of the most studied cultural dimensions. It emphasizes the nature of linkages or relationships among people that are encouraged or enforced by social norms. Collectivist societies have more extensive family-based supports than individualistic societies. Societal work-family decisions are more likely to be made in societies with a high gender egalitarianism culture. The challenge faced by many employees across the world is how they can achieve a reasonable level of work-family balance and enhance their family's well-being. A society's culture consists of deep-rooted patterns and meanings transmitted over generations that distinguish it from other societies. It may include shared practices, values, beliefs, attitudes, motives, norms, identities, and behaviors. Several classification schemes of societal or national cultures have been offered. Collectivist societies have more extensive family-based supports than individualistic societies.
