Power and Politics at Work: Telecommuters - Career and Work-Life Balance
This paper examines the experience of workers in a large field based service organisation where telecommuting options are available to employees ranging from front-line operative staff to regional line managers. Interviews conducted with 5 employees indicate a perception that job performance and opportunity for career progression can be compromised through the lack of face-to-face presence in the organisation’s main administrative headquarters.
Telecommuting (or teleworking) has become a popular working arrangement for individuals in roles where physical presence is not necessary to complete job functions. The elimination of stress and time lost through commuting allows teleworkers to experience an improved work-life balance, facilitating increased involvement in family obligations and recreational pursuits. (McShane & Travaglione 2007). The aim of this study is to examine potential negative aspects of teleworking, including the lack of social interaction with colleagues, workplace environment issues within the home and compromised performance appraisal accuracy and career opportunity through reduced interaction with supervisors and colleagues.
Many of the potential issues would likely be a result of limited participation in decision making process of an organisation. Carnall (1999) argues that the outcomes of an organisation are determined by the strategic framework and environment along with the choices made by managers contingent to changing conditions. Choice creates conditions for organisational politics as individuals will offer support to different views depending on their own needs and preferred outcomes. Telecommuters are less likely to be make ...