Mindsets required for implementing a virtual workplace

Abstract

The research centres on the theme that, even though there are various drivers for a more virtual workplace, ranging from organisational, workforce and technology to environmental issues, it seems that progress in adopting virtual work on both individual and organisational level, is still low. The purpose of the research is to determine if there are specific mindsets required to make the implementation of a virtual workplace more successful, with the aim of making recommendations to organisations, managers, teams and individuals for improved implementation strategies. The research defined the target population as a large South African Information and Communication Technology (ICT) company, and its customers. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Data relating to needs, perceptions, practicality and readiness concerning the virtual workplace was collected on three levels, namely individual, team and organisational level. The quantitative research covered the objectives relating to the individual level through questionnaires which were sent out in the form of online surveys. The qualitative research covered the organisational level research through individual interviews with the IT/HR managers, while the team level research was covered through focus group interviews. The study found that various mindsets and needs do exist, and on an individual level the mindsets and needs are not restricted to specific generations. This could be of significance to HR and IT managers in general, who may need to take a wider target group into consideration when designing policies and standards for the organisation. Secondly the organisation itself emerged as an entity with a mindset or culture that transcends the individuals working for the organisation. To implement a virtual workplace would, therefore, require an overarching strategy and organisational change interventions to ensure that all the facets of a virtual workplace are addressed in a balanced way.