Daniëlle Wahle

Current Position:
Thesis title:
Reflections on work locations, A case study of multi-location and worker productivity determinants

Description:
As mobile- and multi-location work is more and more introduced in organizations, this thesis investigates what determinants affect the choice of a work location and the influence of the reflection on a location on productivity. There is a relative dearth of knowledge in the domain of mobile- and multi-location work, caused by the relative novelty of the subject.

In order to identify the determinants that could have an influence
on the choice of a work location, an extensive literature review has taken place.
The determinants that are identified from literature are divided in three areas:
context, social and task. Each area contains a number of determinants that
could have an influence on the choice of a work location. Furthermore, the effect
of reflection in a mobile- and multi-location work context in relation to productivity
is elaborated on. This study is conducted at a Dutch car lease company, which for
confidentially purposes will be called company X. They introduced a new work
program to create a mobile and sustainable way of working for their employees.

A survey was conducted among the employees of company X, which eventually led
to a sample of 270 respondents. The analysis of this survey shows that three
determinants have a positive influence on the office as chosen work location.
These are; the fear of a negative career influence, relationship with colleagues
and location dependency. Two determinants have a positive influence on home
as chosen work location, namely; a positive attitude towards mobile- and
multi-location work and a higher level of ecological self-determination. Trust in
management and a positive attitude towards mobile- and multi-location work
positively contribute to regional office as chosen work location. There appears to
be no moderating influence from the reflection on task-location, but the reflection
on task location appears to have a direct negative influence on the percentage
office as chosen work location and a direct positive influence ont he percentage home
and regional offices as work location.

These research findings are interesting for organizations and particularly for company X,
because this can help to further improve their new work program and create an optimal
mobile- and multi-locational work environment for their employees. In general these findings
can help to facilitate efficient mobile and multi-location work arrangements.
This study contributes to literature by adding knowledge in the domain of mobile and
multi-location work. Also a new construct is introduced, reflection on task-location,
which can be interesting for further research.

For the complete thesis click here