ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that many analyses had focused on cross-sectional data, where different types of flexible working arrangements had often been examined together with more general family- or carer-friendly policies. It explains about the definitions and methodology used and argued that greater clarity in relation to these was needed in future studies. The chapter explores a predominance of cross-sectional survey-based studies and reviews of the literature, and thus argued that future qualitative and multi-method studies could lead to greater theory building. It also shows that studies tended to focus on a single unit of analysis and neglected time as a dimension. The chapter argues that the development of multi-level and longitudinal analyses. It also argues that the need for different types of studies to be conducted in order to allow for generalisations to be made, causality to be established and greater understanding of how the relationships worked, helping to build theory in the area.
