Psychological Capital Moderates the Relationship Between Work Family Conflict and Job Performance in Female Faculty of Higher Education Institutions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

The increasing demands of academic responsibilities coupled with family obligations have made work-family conflict (WFC) a critical concern for female faculty in higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly in culturally traditional regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. This study investigates the moderating role of psychological capital (PsyCap)—a positive psychological resource comprising self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience—on the relationship between work-family conflict and job performance among female faculty members. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from a sample of female academic staff across public and private HEIs in KP. The results confirm a significant negative relationship between WFC and job performance, indicating that increased conflict between work and family domains undermines faculty effectiveness. However, the presence of high psychological capital significantly moderates this relationship, mitigating the adverse effects of WFC and enabling better job performance despite personal and professional role interference. The findings highlight the importance of fostering psychological resources among female faculty to sustain performance and well-being in demanding academic environments. Practical implications include integrating PsyCap development into faculty support programs and promoting institutional policies that enhance work-life integration. This study contributes to the growing body of research on gender, work-family dynamics, and psychological resilience in academic settings, particularly within the socio-cultural context of developing regions.