Trends in the literature about work-life balance among higher education teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the extant literature on work-life balance among higher education teachers, as well as their main conflicts, using bibliometric analysis in an attempt to gauge the evolution of this concept since its emergence in higher education institutions. Based on a bibliometric analysis of 105 articles in the period of 1990– July 2020, this paper carries out the following bibliometric techniques: citation analysis, co-ocurrence of authors, terms/words and keywords. The study reveals the direction of research that the field of work-life balance among higher education teachers has taken over the past decade. The study reveals the most influential journals, institutions, countries and authors pertaining to the research on work-life balance among higher education teachers, along with the evolution of the concept over the years. Three significant conflicts emerge out as prominent themes in the literature: job satisfaction; concern about promotion and career opportunities; and pressures to achieve the institution's goals. The results allow a comprehensive understanding of the concept of work-life balance so that teachers can improve well-being in the professional and family environment.