Telecommuting and Virtual Organizations

Abstract

Our research paper discusses telecommuting, the benefits and potential barriers this technology can have for a company and society. This paper also will discuss the current state of this technology and how it is growing at a rapid rate. Telecommuting is defined as an alternative work arrangement in which employees perform tasks elsewhere that are normally done in a primary or central workplace, for at least some portion of their work schedule, using electronic media to interact with others inside and outside the organization (O&P Business News). We have also explored the emergence of Virtual Organizations, which differ from traditional Organizations. Virtual Organizations can be thought of as dispersed entities which are heavily reliant on the seamless transfer of information to synergistically accomplish their business objectives. As this concept becomes more accepted across various industries, the degree of virtualization varies between Organizations. Some Organizations might not have a brick and mortar presence and could exist only on the Internet, while others might just have started imbibing the characteristics of a Virtual Organization.