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Constructing Continuities in Virtual Work Environments: A Multiple Case Study of Two Firms with Differing Degrees of Virtuality

  • Aleksandre Asatiani
  • , Esko Penttinen
    • Aalto-universitetet

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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    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 languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)484-513
    Number of pages30
    JournalInformation Systems Journal
    Volume29
    Issue number2
    Early online date10 Aug 2018
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 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

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