10263: Family-Supportive Supervisor Behaviors: Advancing the Nomological Network

Family-Supportive Supervisor Behaviors (FSSB) have become a cornerstone of work-life research, offering critical insights into how supervisors can help employees navigate the complexities of work-life integration. Research has highlighted numerous benefits of FSSB for employees, including reduced work-family conflict, increased job satisfaction, and enhanced engagement, as well as positive outcomes for employers, such as improved organizational commitment and performance. However, less attention has been given to the complexities of FSSB and the unintended consequences that can arise. This symposium aims to address these gaps by exploring the nuanced dynamics of FSSB, including its varying impact across job types and organizational policies, and its intersections with emerging technology and work-life boundary management. While FSSB has the potential to foster positive outcomes, it also presents challenges, such as reputational costs, privacy concerns, and the paradoxical effects of supportive behaviors. For instance, what motivates supervisors to engage in FSSB, and how does FSSB impact supervisors themselves? Under what conditions do supervisors choose to engage, or not engage, in these behaviors? These unanswered questions highlight the need for deeper exploration into the motivations and implications of FSSB, including its "dark side." By broadening the nomological network, this symposium seeks to advance theoretical understanding and practical applications of FSSB, integrating perspectives from leadership, organizational policies, and team dynamics.