Exploring the Relationship between Social Influence and Telecommuting

Abstract

<p>As cities continue to expand, the environmental impacts associated with increasing car usage remains an issue of concem. However, telework, an altemative form of working arrangement, has the potential to reduce the impacts associated with driving. In this study, we investigate how social interaction impacts the decision to telecommute. Data are obtained from the McMaster Telework Online Survey, which collects detailed information from McMaster University employees concerning their knowledge and experience with telework, feelings and opinions about home-based work and other lifestyle choices, and other information related to telecommunications. A unique characteristic of the survey is that it captures interactions among colleagues at work. The "colleague connection" measures the extent to which social interactions influence an individual's decision to adopt telework. The results of this research indicate that social interactions at work, as well as socio-demographic and work-related characteristics, do influence an individual's decision to adopt telework.</p>