Indicators of Computer-Mediated Communication Affecting Remote Employee Engagement

Abstract

In this study, the indicators of computer-mediated communication that affect engagement among remote knowledge workers were analyzed. After conducting an online survey of 133 remote knowledge workers in the U.S., a multiple regression statistical model was used to answer the research question seeking the extent to which empathy, expressiveness, and motivation contributed to remote employee engagement. Our findings suggested the existence of a statistically significant relationship between the independent variables Empathy, Expressiveness, and Motivation, and the dependent variable Engagement. This study contributed to knowledge by filling the gap in current literature as no previous attempt had been made on analyzing the relationship between engagement and the items identified here. Our findings have implications for researchers and practitioners in that they may assist in guiding future research and work design for remote knowledge workers in the digital and pandemic era. This study can help managers identify remote workers who need the most help. This comes from the observation that remote employees work away from their managers and colleagues and the absence of casual conversations that tend to provide directions or remind them of things to do could hinder their performance in the absence of self-determination.

Do Performance Goals and Development, Feedback and Recognition, and a Climate of Trust Improve Employee Engagement in Small Businesses in the United States?

“…Recently, in the realm of human resources development (HRD), academia, and practitioners, employee engagement has become and remains a hot topic (Albrecht, 2012;Fairlie, 2011;Lartey & Randall, 2021;Saks, 2006) and a critical concern for organizations (Kapoor & Meachem, 2012). Researchers are taking more interest in studies regarding employee engagement (Bakker et al, 2007;Macey & Schneider, 2008) and its relationship with small business success.…”

“…Employee engagement remains a critical concern for organizations and small businesses (Kapoor & Meacham, 2012;Lartey & Randall, 2021;Mishra et al, 2014). Increasingly, employee engagement has become well-known in businesses.…”

Using EENDEED to Measure Remote Employee Engagement: Influence of the Sense of Belonging at Work and the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) on Virtual Employee Engagement

“…In today's post-social-distancing era, many employees require flexibility from their organizations to continue working remotely or in a hybrid setting (working from home some days of the week and in office other days). This option, as confirmed by Lartey and Randall (2021a) as well as Gandhi and Robinson (2021), is the most desired preference among employees. To that effect, remote work is here to stay, and companies are adapting to this new reality.…”

Enhanced Engagement Nurtured by Determination, Efficacy, and Exchange Dimensions (EENDEED): A Nine-Item Instrument for Measuring Traditional Workplace and Remote Employee Engagement

“…In a quantitative peer-reviewed article analyzing the indicators of computer-mediated communication that affect remote employee engagement, Lartey and Randall (2021a) used an online questionnaire to survey 133 remote knowledge workers in the U.S. Their survey questionnaire included the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) to measure employee engagement and the CMC competency scale to measure competency in computer-mediated communication and regress its items to the engagement scores. A multiple regression model was created, showing the existence of a statistically significant relationship between the independent variables (IVs) (empathy, expressiveness, and motivation) and the dependent variable (DV) (remote employee engagement).…”

“…Regarding the remote dimension and employee engagement, research by Lartey and Randall (2021a) focused on the self-determination theory. Indeed, empathy, expressiveness, and motivation are intrinsic to the employee and demonstrate natural tendencies for healthy behaviors.…”