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Dissertation
The impact of telecommuting on the work outcomes of professionals
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
1997
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00009273
Abstract
Due to the numerous demands from a variety of different constituents and advances in technology which can make remote work a reality, it is not surprising that telecommuting is growing rapidly. Yet, despite this growth, the research in this area is surprisingly limited. Little empirical research has addressed research-based constructs, such as work-family conflict and job satisfaction. The literature that does exist is full of contradictions. Given the continued growth of telecommuting, there is a need to fully understand the outcomes of this work arrangement. This research addresses this need by exploring whether work outcomes differ for professionals who telecommute and those who do not telecommute. This research considers a network of relationships concerning the impact of the work arrangement on work characteristics and experiences and the eventual effect on work outcomes. This research also addresses the potential impact of the motivation for telecommuting and the level of telecommuting participation on work characteristics, experiences and outcomes. The responses from 89 telecommuters (40% response rate) and 71 non-telecommuters (49% response rate) from a large telecommunications firm were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. Telecommuting did not have a direct effect on any of the proposed work characteristics, experiences or outcomes. Additional analyses revealed there interactions between work arrangement and other study variables on autonomy, behavior based work-family conflict and role conflict. Level of telecommuting participation had a positive effect on autonomy. Motivation for telecommuting did not have a significant effect on any of the examined work characteristics, experiences and outcomes, including career advancement prospects. These findings contradict both the positive and negative conventional beliefs about telecommuting. Telecommuting does not appear to be the magical work arrangement that will allow employees to balance both work and family commitments while increasing autonomy and boosting job satisfaction. Likewise, telecommuting is not the oppressive work structure that will cause employees to work long hours, interfere with family relationships and lead to limited career advancement. Additional research is needed to test the generalizability of these results.
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Details
- Title
- The impact of telecommuting on the work outcomes of professionals
- Creators
- Donna Weaver McCloskey
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xii, 179 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Business (and) Administration (1970-1999); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021888963504721