Understanding Boundary Management Fit: A Systematic Review of Work-Nonwork Boundary Management and Person-Environment Fit

Although some individuals prefer to separate work and nonwork, others prefer to integrate these domains, and organizations, families, and other contextual factors uniquely impact boundary management. Boundary management fit, which integrates boundary management theories with person-environment fit, examines the interplay between these individual and contextual factors. In this systematic review, we take stock of boundary management fit and its implications for worker well-being. Our results conceptualize boundary management fit and outline its nomological network. Results suggest that, although boundary management fit results in some positive well-being-related outcomes, the consequences are somewhat equivocal. Rather, boundary management misfit (i.e., a lack of fit between person and environment) may be more impactful on well-being. From there, we present a conceptual framework that builds on and expands prior research, comprehensively depicting the body of literature to date. We discuss our review's theoretical, empirical, and practical implications and outline future directions for research and practice.

Plain Language Summary Title:

A Review of Work-Nonwork Boundary Management Fit

Plain language summary: As the world increasingly sees how work and nonwork conflict and interact, reviewing the literature on boundary management fit is necessary. Boundary management fit is used to understand the interplay between personal boundary management-related factors, like preferences, and environmental boundary management-related factors, like organizational supplies. We find that boundary management fit is sometimes related to positive well-being-related outcomes; a lack of boundary management fit is often associated with negative well-being-related outcomes. This review summarizes and synthesizes the boundary management fit literature and provides recommendations for theory, research, and practice.