Work-life balance and its influence on organizational citizenship behavior and performance in Indonesian higher education

The research explores the underexamined relationships between Work-Life Balance, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior Performance, focusing on the unique socio-cultural and organizational dynamics of private higher education in Indonesia. Employing a mixed-method research design, the study analyzed quantitative survey data (N = 100) on Work-Life Balance, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior Performance and qualitative narrative frames capturing participants’ lived experiences. Path analysis revealed that Work-Life Balance significantly influences Organizational Citizenship Behavior (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) and Organizational Citizenship Behavior Performance (β = 0.25, p < 0.05), with Organizational Citizenship Behavior strongly predicting Organizational Citizenship Behavior Performance (β = 0.71, p < 0.001). Furthermore, Organizational Citizenship Behavior mediated the relationship between Work-Life Balance and Organizational Citizenship Behavior Performance, with an indirect effect of 0.48. Qualitative findings identified systemic barriers to Work-Life Balance, including work challenges, professional commitment, and accreditation pressures, which constrained employees' ability to engage in Organizational Citizenship Behavior. On the contrary, flexibility and efficient task management emerged as critical enablers of Work-Life Balance and Organizational Citizenship Behavior Performance. These results emphasize the need for higher education institutions to implement structured Work-Life Balance initiatives, promote flexibility, and provide support during high-pressure periods to enhance both employee well-being and organizational outcomes.