Telework: Issues for Research, Policy and Regulation

Abstract

Increased access to computer and communications technology in recent years has facilitated the growth of telework, the use of computer and communications technologies to work away from a central location. Heightened interest in telework has been accompanied by the emergence of a diverse array of literature. This review essay examines three books indicative of important streams within this literature: an implementation manual, an edited collection of academic papers, and a European Community research and policy document. The essay identifies several problems and issues. The lack of a commonly accepted definition of telework has reduced the possibilities for meaningful comparisons cross-nationally and between different studies. The strong tendency in much of the literature towards the promotion of telework has also inhibited critical evaluation of the impact of telework, particularly on the labour process and industrial relations. While telework has grown less reliably than much of the literature has predicted, addressing these problems and issues is critical to the development of effective policy and regulatory frameworks.