Knowledge work in distributed environments: issues and illusions

Abstract

Although Finland is one of the most advanced and competitive economies in the world, with a sophisticated technological infrastructure, only four per cent of Finnish wage earners regard themselves as doing telework, and a further four per cent had tried telework. Empirical evidence of telework is presented in this paper.

Libraries as transitory workspaces and spatial incubators

“…The concept of transitory workplaces is also linked to the idea that where and when people work can depend on their own individual needs and preferences (Pyöriä, 2003), and to the ability to be connected almost everywhere because of private and municipal wireless networks (Forlano, 2008b). This idea of places and distances losing their meaning is, however, overstated, and since instant offices are also selected based on their relational, social and physical characteristics.…”

Picture perfect? Exploring the use of smartphone photography in a distributed work practice

“…Distributed work covers various social and technological contexts and a range of mobile and dispersed work practices (Pyoria, 2003). Definitions of distributed workers include those performing jobrelated tasks in different locations and, increasingly, whilst moving between them (Axtell et al, 2008).…”

An Evaluation of the Demand for Telework and Smart Work Centres in Rural Areas: A Case Study from Latvia

“…The origin of the smart work (telework, e-work, mobile work) -working independently of time and place with the help of ICT -came from the last century when Nilles first coined the term 'telecommuting' (Nilles, 1975;Bailey and Kurland, 2002;Pyoria 2003). Defined as working outside the conventional workplace and communicating with it by way of telecommunications or computer-based technology (Nilles, 1994;Olson and Primps, 1984) telework constitutes an early form of virtual work.…”

“…Moreover, there seems to be a temporal lag between the possibilities offered by the ICT and adaptation of behaviour. As Pyoria argues, "in order to make telework a viable alternative to more orthodox work practices, it has to be understood that a transition towards distributed organizations comprised of people connected mainly via ICTs is a large-scale social and cultural transformation that will not happen overnight" (Pyoria, 2003).…”