Isolated telework: what are the consequences for the adoption and use of new technologies
Résumé
In recent years, teleworking was considered as a pivotal work organisation mode, driven by technological advancements and societal shifts. This study investigates an innovative form of teleworking-overseas teleworking - initiated by business school employees. What is the impact of geographical distance on employee behaviour towards technology and tool usage, as well as the role of individual competencies and intentions in the successful adoption and integration of these technologies? This qualitative, exploratory case study used semi-structured interviews over a 12-month period with an employee engaged in a unique, isolated teleworking situation. The business school participating in the study adopted overseas teleworking to experiment with new work arrangements. Findings suggest that isolated teleworking fosters the development of new skills and competencies and facilitates the adoption of new tools. Moreover, the study reveals that the appropriation of these tools can reduce the perceived distance between the individual’s work environment and the collective work setting.