ECG31203: Career Counselling

Lecturer: Dr. Rokiah

Satish Punnyamurthi (Matric ID 012021091097)
Task #2

Question:
How would TWA benefit a counsellor helping a dual career family member who are
facing an issue of lacking work-life balance?

Introduction

The Theory of Work Adjustment (TWA) is a psychological framework that

offers valuable insights and strategies for counsellors when working with dual career
families facing work-life balance issues. Dual career families, where both partners
are pursuing demanding careers, often struggle to find a harmonious equilibrium
between their professional and personal lives. The TWA can be instrumental in
understanding the unique challenges and providing practical solutions to foster a
more balanced and fulfilling life for such individuals.

Understanding the Theory of Work Adjustment (TWA)

The Theory of Work Adjustment, developed by René Dawis and Lloyd

Lofquist, is a comprehensive framework that posits that individuals strive to
maximize the fit between their personal needs and the characteristics of their work
environment. TWA identifies two crucial components that contribute to an individual's
work adjustment: satisfaction and satisfactoriness. Satisfaction refers to an
individual's subjective feelings of fulfilment and happiness in their job, while
satisfactoriness pertains to the extent to which an individual meets the requirements
of the work environment. These two components are intricately connected, and the
TWA framework focuses on optimizing this balance to achieve a harmonious work-
life situation.
Benefits of TWA for Counselling Dual Career Families

1. Individual Assessment:
TWA starts by assessing an individual's needs, values, skills, and
preferences. When applied to dual career families, counsellors can use this
assessment to understand the unique priorities and aspirations of both partners. This
knowledge allows for tailored guidance to help each family member identify the most
suitable career choices and work environments.

2. Identifying Mismatch:
TWA helps identify areas of mismatch between the individual and their work
environment. In the context of dual career families, this can reveal sources of stress
and dissatisfaction stemming from job-related factors. Counsellors can then
collaborate with their clients to address these issues, such as workload imbalances,
long commutes, or inflexible work schedules.

3. Goal Setting:
The theory encourages individuals to set realistic and meaningful goals to
align their careers with their personal values and needs. Dual career couples can
collaborate with the counsellor to establish common and individual goals that
promote work-life balance, such as flexible working arrangements or strategies to
reduce work-related stress.

4. Decision-Making:
Dual career families often face complex decisions regarding career changes,
relocations, or adjustments. TWA provides a structured approach for evaluating
these decisions. Counsellors can guide family members through the decision-making
process, considering factors like job compatibility and family goals.

5. Job Crafting:
TWA supports the idea of job crafting, where individuals proactively modify
aspects of their work to better suit their needs. Counsellors can assist dual career
family members in exploring possibilities for job crafting, including negotiating flexible
work hours, modifying job responsibilities, or seeking alternative employment
opportunities.

6. Ongoing Monitoring:
TWA emphasizes the importance of continuous assessment and adjustment
in response to changing personal and work-related circumstances. Counsellors can
help dual career families develop strategies to monitor and adapt their work-life
balance over time, ensuring that it remains aligned with their evolving needs.

Conclusion

The Theory of Work Adjustment (TWA) offers a robust framework for

counsellors to assist dual career families facing work-life balance challenges. By
utilizing TWA principles, counsellors can better understand the individual needs and
aspirations of both partners, identify areas of mismatch in their work environments,
and provide guidance to enhance job satisfaction and satisfactoriness. This
approach empowers dual career families to set and achieve meaningful career and
life goals while fostering a healthier and more balanced work-life dynamic. In an
increasingly complex and demanding professional landscape, the TWA can serve as
a valuable tool for counsellors seeking to support dual career families in achieving a
fulfilling work-life balance.