Perceptions of Web Philippines, Inc. Managers and Employees Toward Telecommunicating as a Potential Work Arrangement

Abstract

The influx of modern communication technology is rapidly affecting and shaping human lives. The springing forth of computers with amazing capabilities, the Internet, fiber optic cables, and other information technologies, have changed the way humans communicate, relate with others, and even the way they do business. The Information Superhighway has provided individuals and organizations alike a new platform for communication, commerce, and advertising. Humans are now witnessing the tremendous impact of all these innovations in communication technology to organizations. Organizations have realized the potency of the Internet as a medium and thus have taken advantage of e-commerce and electronic communication. Another offshoot of the Internet and these other advancements in technology is the emergence of a work option called "TELECOMMUTING". Telecommuting is a work arrangement where the worker is no longer required to physically be in the office to perform his/her tasks. Instead, he/she can accomplish these tasks at home, or anywhere for that matter, as long as he/she is equipped with the necessary tools such as a computer, a telephone line, a modem, Internet access, fax machine, and the like. It is an arrangement bringing the work to the worker, instead of the worker to the work, through advanced communication technology. This telecommuting phenomenon originated in the West, and is therefore more prominent in Western countries such as the United States. Filipino organizations in general, however, do not recognize and practice telecommuting yet. Only very few Filipino organizations actually implement a telecommuting policy. This paper intends to study the perceptions of managers and employees of a Filipino organization, -Web Philippines, Inc. towards telecommuting as a possible work option. First and foremost, this study aims to find out if the managers and employees of Web Phils. are aware of and understand telecommuting. Second, this study aspires to gauge their level of acceptance to telecommuting as a work arrangement in their company. Third, this study seeks to measure the readiness and capability of Web Phils. to carry out telecommuting. And lastly, this study aims to determine the applicability of the Western concept of telecommuting in Web Philippines as perceived by their managers and employees. To answer the abovementioned objectives, the researcher conducted a census in Web Philippines. The researcher distributed survey questionnaires to all 6 managers and 18 employees of the said organization. Interview schedules with the President and the Human Resource Manager were also conducted to gather pertinent information. With the gathered data, it becomes apparent that the studied organization is indeed highly aware of the telecommuting and that managers and employees alike are very receptive to the idea of working from home if given the opportunity. It also was discovered that in terms of nature of work, employee behavior, and availability of communication tools and adeptness in using them, Web Philippines is capable of carrying out a telecommuting arrangement. And lastly, it has been found that a Western practice as telecommuting has a place in the studied organization and in fact, has very high chances of implementation.