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Critical Success Factors In Developing Teleworking Programs

Critical success factors in developing teleworking programs
Kellyann Berube Kowalski
DepartmentofManagement,CharltonCollegeofBusiness,Universityof
MassachusettsDartmouth,NorthDartmouth,Massachusetts,USA,and

Jennifer Ann Swanson
DepartmentofBusinessAdministration,StonehillCollege,NorthEaston,Massachusetts,USA
Abstract
Purpose– To provide a framework of critical success factors for practioners and employers looking
to develop new or enhance existing telework programs.
Design/methodology/approach– This paper focuses on benchmarking the remote work

arrangement of telecommuting. The issues of teleworking, including the benefits and challenges of such arrangements, are presented and reviewed. Based on a review of the teleworking literature, the authors have developed a framework that specifies the critical success factors that are instrumental in implementing or improving a teleworking program.
Findings– The authors put forward a framework of the critical success factors including support, communication, and trust that are instrumental in developing telework programs. In order to address both macro and micro levels of analysis, the framework outlines critical success factors at the organizational, managerial, and employee level.
Practicalimplications– In the information age, with rapid advances in technology and telecommunication systems, a teleworking program is not only a possibility, but also a smart strategic business decision. This paper provides a useful framework for organizations to employ when developing new or enhancing existing telework arrangements.
Originality/value– By focusing on benchmarking the teleworking process, this paper provides a new and structured approach in the development of telework programs.
KeywordsBenchmarking, Teleworking, Critical success factors, Work design
PapertypeResearch paper
Benchmarking has become a prevalent tool used by organizations to determine how they are doing in comparison to other...