Definition(s):

“Extent to which a boundary allows psychological or behavioral aspects of one role or domain to enter another.” (Desrochers & Sargent)
“Permeability is the degree to which a role allows one to be physically located in the role’s domain but psychologically and/or behaviorally involved in another role” (Pleck, 1977; Richter, 1992).
“An employee who is able to accept personal calls and visits regularly has a permeable work role boundary” (p. 474). (Ashforth, Kreiner, & Fugate, 2000).
Clark (2000) defines permeability as “the degree to which elements from other domains may enter (Beach, 1989; Hall & Richter, 1988; Piotrkowski, 1978). For example, an individual may have an office at home whose physical doors and walls create a sort of border around his or her work. However, the border may be very permeable because family members are accustomed to entering frequently and talking with the individual doing work.” (p. 756). (Clark, 2000).

Desrochers S. & Sargent, L. (2003, September 09). Boundary/Border Theory and Work-Family Integration, A Sloan Work and Family Encyclopedia Entry. Chestnut Hill, MA: Boston College. Hall, D. T., & Richter, J. (1988). Balancing work life and home life: What can organizations do to help? Academy of Management Executive, 3, 213-223. Pleck, J. H. (1977). The work-family role system. Social Problems, 24, 417-427. Ashforth, B. E., Kreiner, G. E., & Fugate, M. (2000). All in a day's work: Boundaries and micro role transitions. Academy of Management Review, 25(3), 472-491. Clark, S. C. (2000). Work/family border theory: A new theory of work/family balance. Human Relations, 53(6), 747-770.