Telework and the Nature of Work: an Assessment of Different Aspects of Work and the Role of Technology

Engagement in work through information and communication technology from places other than a corporate office, often referred to as telework, is simultaneously transforming work and life. In order to support successful adoption of telework by organizations it is important to move away from research stacking up evidence for or against telework. Instead what is required is a more nuanced examination that seeks to contribute to better understanding of work practices and the support for successful approaches to telework. Based on an analysis of an extensive online debate following Yahoo’s decision to ban telework, we identify important issues associated with telework in practice and contrast them with their presence in extant literature. This leads to the identification of areas for research that should be further advanced to support organizations in improving their telework practices. In particular such research can be built on a more thorough assessment of teamwork and collaboration needs, as well as the nature of work that is to be undertaken by teleworkers.

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