FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ATTITUDES TOWARDS TELECOMMUTING

Rosli, Din (1998) FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ATTITUDES TOWARDS TELECOMMUTING. Masters thesis, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia.

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Abstract

This exploratory research attempts to identify factors that are associated with telecommuting among Malaysian executives. There are three aspects covered in this study. Firstly, types of works that are appropriate for telecommuting. Secondly, the relationship between performance appraisal and promotion to telecommuting. Finally, whether family commitment is related to telecommuting. The questionnaire used to collect data for the research is self-developed based on the literature. It consists of two sections. Section A is for respondents to state their demography and commuting data. Section B is on the respondents' attitudes towards family commitment, promotion, organization and other factors related to telecommuting. Three out of five hypotheses tested showed statistically significant results. Respondents agreed that there are official tasks that they could do outside office hours (r = 0.1200; p-value 0.0000). Their attitudes towards telecommuting are positively correlated with the work done after office hours (r = 0.1200; p-value 0.8770). The study also shows that individuals who are family-oriented tend to favor telecommuting (r = 0.3260; p-value 0.0000). In contrast to previous studies (Mahmassani et al. 1993), Malaysian executives do not seem to telecommute for the same reasons. In particular, travelling times and expenses are not statistically significant (r = 0.0070; p-value 0.7580). Also, in contrast to previous studies (Bernardino et al. 1993), telecommuting, promotion and performance appraisal also do not show significant correlation (r = 0.0460; p-value 0.7020). The respondents think that visibility in the office is important to get promotion and telecommuting would, therefore, hinder them from being visible in the office. It can be concluded that telecommuting is still in its infancy in Malaysia. The government as well as the private sector should collaborate to promote this new working concept for a better working environment.

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