The Impact of Individual Coping Strategies on Work–Life Balance among Bangladeshi RMG Workers: Examining the Moderating Role of Gender

Mohammad Tamzid1, Md. Miraj Hossen2, Rumana Ferdouse3, Sumaya Binta Junnat4
1Assistant Professor, Green Business School, Green University of Bangladesh; PhD Research Fellow, Department of Management Studies, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100
2Professor, Department of Management Studies, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100
3Assistant Professor, Green Business School, Green University of Bangladesh
4Lecturer, Green Business School, Green University of Bangladesh
Published: 30/07/2026
: Mohammad Tamzid, Md. Miraj Hossen, Rumana Ferdouse, Sumaya Binta Junnat. The Impact of Individual Coping Strategies on Work–Life Balance among Bangladeshi RMG Workers: Examining the Moderating Role of Gender. Cultura Científica, 2026 Issue 24. pg. 1021-1032.

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of individual coping strategies on work–life balance (WLB) among ready-made garment (RMG) workers in Bangladesh. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, the study examines four coping strategies: problem-solving, social support, avoidance, and positive thinking. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 437 Bangladeshi RMG workers using a structured questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4 was used to analyze the proposed model, while multi-group analysis (MGA) was conducted to assess the moderating role of gender. The findings indicate that problem-solving and social support positively influence work–life balance, whereas avoidance and positive thinking have no significant effects. The MGA results further show that gender does not significantly moderate the relationships between coping strategies and work–life balance. These findings suggest that active problem-solving and supportive social relationships are more effective than passive or cognitive coping mechanisms in promoting employees’ work–life balance. The study extends the application of Conservation of Resources theory to the Bangladeshi RMG industry and provides practical insights for managers and policymakers seeking to enhance employee well-being through effective coping interventions and supportive workplace practices.

Keywords: work–life balance; coping strategies; ready-made garment industry; gender; Bangladesh

Resumen

This study investigates the effects of individual coping strategies on work–life balance (WLB) among ready-made garment (RMG) workers in Bangladesh. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, the study examines four coping strategies: problem-solving, social support, avoidance, and positive thinking. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 437 Bangladeshi RMG workers using a structured questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4 was used to analyze the proposed model, while multi-group analysis (MGA) was conducted to assess the moderating role of gender. The findings indicate that problem-solving and social support positively influence work–life balance, whereas avoidance and positive thinking have no significant effects. The MGA results further show that gender does not significantly moderate the relationships between coping strategies and work–life balance. These findings suggest that active problem-solving and supportive social relationships are more effective than passive or cognitive coping mechanisms in promoting employees’ work–life balance. The study extends the application of Conservation of Resources theory to the Bangladeshi RMG industry and provides practical insights for managers and policymakers seeking to enhance employee well-being through effective coping interventions and supportive workplace practices.

Palabras clave: work–life balance; coping strategies; ready-made garment industry; gender; Bangladesh
Mohammad Tamzid
Assistant Professor, Green Business School, Green University of Bangladesh; PhD Research Fellow, Department of Management Studies, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100
Md. Miraj Hossen
Professor, Department of Management Studies, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100
Rumana Ferdouse
Assistant Professor, Green Business School, Green University of Bangladesh
Sumaya Binta Junnat
Lecturer, Green Business School, Green University of Bangladesh

How to cite:

Mohammad Tamzid, Md. Miraj Hossen, Rumana Ferdouse, Sumaya Binta Junnat. The Impact of Individual Coping Strategies on Work–Life Balance among Bangladeshi RMG Workers: Examining the Moderating Role of Gender. Cultura Científica, 2026 Issue 24. pg. 1021-1032.

Publication History

Copyright © 2026, Mohammad Tamzid, Md. Miraj Hossen, Rumana Ferdouse, Sumaya Binta Junnat. Published by Cultura Científica. This article is published as open access under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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