Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

3-1986

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Major Professor

George C. Petty

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the satisfaction of managers of telecommuters was affected by management style (person-oriented or task-oriented).

Two instruments were used for collecting data. The Manager's Attitude Toward Remote Work instrument determined managers' satisfaction on twelve components of telecommuting. The Least Preferred Co-Worker instrument divided the managers into either person-oriented or task-oriented management style.

Participants for this study were initially contacted by telephone to determine willingness to participate. Surveys were sent to those who agreed to take part in the study. Initial returns and follow-ups of nonrespondents yielded an 81 percent total response rate.

A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) at the .05 level of significance was use to simultaneously compare the twelve satisfaction components between the two management groups.

Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions were made: 1) management style alone did not determine success or failure of a telecommuting program; 2) programs that continued (i.e., were successful) had evidence of both kinds of management style; and 3) management satisfaction was more an indicator of perpetuating a telecommuting program than was management style.

To help insure successful telecommuting programs, it is recommended that companies interested in starting such a program provide extensive training for managers, telecommuters, and co-workers; evaluate the program on a regular, on-going basis; and work in conjunction with educational instutitions to prepare for the impact that telecommuting may ultimately have on the work force as it is now known.

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