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Technology Requirements and Work Group Communication for Telecommuters

Author

Listed:
  • France Belanger

    (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 3007 Pamplin Hall, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0101)

  • Rosann Webb Collins

    (University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, Florida 33620)

  • Paul H. Cheney

    (University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32816-1400)

Abstract

As organizations implement more and more distributed work arrangements such as telecommuting, there is a need to understand the determinants of success of this new work setting. This research investigated three variables believed to impact outcomes in telecommuting: the availability of information system technology, the availability of communication technologies, and the communication patterns of telecommuters within their work groups. Two perspectives are used in this study. The direct effects of these three variables on perceived productivity, performance, and satisfaction were tested. A second perspective, based on the concept of fit and contingency theory, posits that successful telecommuting outcomes, measured by perceived productivity, performance, and satisfaction, are predicted by interactions between these independent variables. The study was conducted by surveying multiple respondents from different organizations who were members of work groups in which some or all employees were telecommuters. The results indicate that technology variables positively impact productivity, performance, and satisfaction of telecommuters, while the interaction between the technology variables is significant in predicting perceived productivity. Work group communication, as measured by the centrality of individuals, negatively affects perceived productivity and performance. The paper presents a discussion of the theoretical significance of these findings, and offers recommendations for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • France Belanger & Rosann Webb Collins & Paul H. Cheney, 2001. "Technology Requirements and Work Group Communication for Telecommuters," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 12(2), pages 155-176, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orisre:v:12:y:2001:i:2:p:155-176
    DOI: 10.1287/isre.12.2.155.9695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Akash Sinha & Prabhat Kumar & Nripendra P. Rana & Rubina Islam & Yogesh K. Dwivedi, 2019. "Impact of internet of things (IoT) in disaster management: a task-technology fit perspective," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 283(1), pages 759-794, December.
    3. Derrick J. Neufeld & Zeying Wan & Yulin Fang, 2010. "Remote Leadership, Communication Effectiveness and Leader Performance," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 227-246, May.
    4. de la Torre-Ruiz, José Manuel & Ferrón-Vílchez, Vera, 2024. "Determinants of managerial perceptions of the impact of telework: The effect of information communication technology support, trust, and frequency of communication," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    5. Geon-Cheol Shin & Yaokun Ma, 2008. "Factors affecting trust between Korean IT firms and their Chinese counterparts," Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(3), pages 321-334.
    6. Pham Quang Huy & Vo Van Nhi & Pham Tra Lam, 2019. "The Interaction Effect of Task – Technology Fit and Job Satisfaction on Job Performance in ERP Context: Case Study of Vietnamese Enterprises," Eurasian Journal of Economics and Finance, Eurasian Publications, vol. 7(1), pages 48-61.
    7. Christoph Weinert & Tim Weitzel, 2023. "Teleworking in the Covid-19 Pandemic," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 65(3), pages 309-328, June.
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