Family Friendly Policies in Stem Departments: Awareness and Determinants

Abstract

Focused on academic departments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the United States, we attempt to map department chairs’ awareness of family friendly policies and investigate the possible determinants of their knowledge levels. We propose that department chairs’ knowledge of family friendly policies is shaped by their working contexts and incentives. Based on a representative sample of STEM department chairs in American research universities, we find that chairs’ knowledge of family friendly policies is at least worrisome. Nevertheless, chairs prove more committed to family friendly policies if departments have a diversity strategy. Those aspiring to move up in the administrative rank possess more knowledge on the policies of unpaid family leave, spousal employment assistance and workload reduction for family reasons. Female chairs demonstrate greater knowledge of family leave policies and onsite childcare. We conclude the study by discussing research implications and developing policy recommendations.