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Abstract-The study examines the relationship between work-family conflict and selected demographic variables among female factory workers in East London, South Africa. The independent variables for the study were selected demographic variables, while work-family conflict is the dependent variable. The demographic variables concerned are age, marital status, number of children and age of the youngest child. The measuring instruments were a self-designed questionnaire to measure the demographic variables and a questionnaire developed to measure work-family conflict (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90). A sample of 100 female factory workers who are employed by companies in East London, South Africa was used. Age, number of children and age of the youngest child were all found to be positively correlated to work-family conflict (r = 0.38, p = 0.001; r = 0.31, p =0.002; r = 0.27, p = 0.01 respectively). For marital status the findings were contrary to previous research findings, as the researcher found that marital status is not significantly positively related to work-family conflict (r=-0.08, p = 0.42).

PurposeThere is noted emphasis on the role of small businesses as conduits for economic development especially in emerging economies. Given this, there is need for constantly seeking for ways to assist small businesses achieve success. Calls exist in the literature to investigate the combined role that strategy and human resource management practices can play leading to efforts of financial success.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was utilised and data collected from 401 small businesses operating in the Eastern Province of South Africa. Pearson product–moment correlation and hierarchical regression were used in the data analysis.FindingsThe results confirm that a direct relationship exists between strategy and financial performance. Further, the relationship is made significant only through the mediation effect of human resource management practices.Practical implicationsTo fully realise the enactment of strategy within small businesses there is need to pay attention to the role that human resource management practices may potentially have on financial performance. Small business owner-managers need to ground their strategies with sound human resource management practices. Through this, firm financial performance can be attained.Originality/valueThe paper sheds light and presents a model that illustrates the mediating role of human resource management practices on the relationship between strategy and financial performance.

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