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Mobility of knowledge work and affordances of digital technologies

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  • Nelson, Sarah Beth
  • Jarrahi, Mohammad Hossein
  • Thomson, Leslie

Abstract

The focus of this work arises from two needs within information science literature: (1) to understand more, from an empirically driven perspective, about the increasingly visible yet understudied mobile work population, and (2) to address more clearly, from a theoretical standpoint, the ways in which information and communication technologies (ICTs) mediate the work practices of these mobile workers. Drawing on the affordance perspective, this research goes beyond simplistic conceptualizations of technological effects to explore the roles of multiple ICTs in enabling mobile knowledge work. In this paper, the use of ICTs in mobilizing information practices and the ways in which ICTs generate affordances along different mobility dimensions (spatial, temporal, contextual, and social) are examined. The empirical base of this research is a field of study of 33 mobile knowledge workers (MKWs); broadly, it focuses on the ways they employ ICTs to accomplish work in dynamic and unpredictable work conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Nelson, Sarah Beth & Jarrahi, Mohammad Hossein & Thomson, Leslie, 2017. "Mobility of knowledge work and affordances of digital technologies," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 54-62.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ininma:v:37:y:2017:i:2:p:54-62
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.11.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Sutherland, Will & Jarrahi, Mohammad Hossein, 2018. "The sharing economy and digital platforms: A review and research agenda," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 328-341.
    3. Harkiolakis, Tatiana & Komodromos, Marcos, 2023. "Supporting knowledge workers’ health and well-being in the post-lockdown era," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 118409, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    4. Lai, Aolin & Li, Zhenran & Hu, Xiurong & Wang, Qunwei, 2024. "Does digital economy improve city-level eco-efficiency in China?," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 1198-1213.
    5. Iliescu Andra Nicoleta, 2021. "From knowledge workers to knowmads: skills, roles and attributes – A literature review," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 15(1), pages 128-138, December.
    6. D'Ambra, John & Akter, Shahriar & Mariani, Marcello, 2022. "Digital transformation of higher education in Australia: Understanding affordance dynamics in E-Textbook engagement and use," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 283-295.

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