The Effect of Working Couple Status on the Decision to Offer Geographic Transfer

Abstract

This study looks at the issue of geographic mobility of working couples from the employer's perspective. As part of a larger study conducted by the first author, a national sample of 425 American managers was asked to make a simulated decision of geographic transfer involving a member of a working couple. In the study, a differentiation was made among a dual-career, a dual-earner, and a single-career couple. It was found that (a) being a member of a dual-career couple had a significant negative effect on the decision, and (b) the effect was moderated by some characteristics of both the decision-maker and the organization. After having noted the limitations of the study, the authors recommend the study of other aspects of organizational life that may be influenced by working couples.