Abstract
In this paper, we study how continuities are constructed in virtual work environments by comparing two firms with differing degrees of virtuality. Using Organizational Discontinuity Theory and drawing on a qualitative study of two accounting firms operating in Finland, we observe virtual work discontinuities in the two firms and identify constructed continuities. We find that in constructing continuities, virtual organizations need to balance rigid and flexible approaches regarding governance structure, the role of technology, communication management, and workflow management. Our main contributions are an empirical application of Organizational Discontinuity Theory to the comparison of virtual work environments and a set of propositions regarding how firms approach continuity construction in different virtuality contexts.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 484-513 |
| Number of pages | 30 |
| Journal | Information Systems Journal |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Early online date | 10 Aug 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2019 |
Bibliographical note
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: satiani A, Penttinen E. Constructing continuities in virtual work environments: A multiple case study of two firms with differing degrees of virtuality. Info Systems J. 2018;1–30, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/isj.12217. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.Funding: HSE Support Foundation. Grant Number: 4‐808
Keywords
- boundaries
- continuities
- discontinuities
- remote work
- telecommuting
- virtual work