Short-distance relocation management approaches: 5 Case from Finland

Abstract

Acknowledgments (if applicable):The authors wish to acknowledge Tekes -The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation and the other sponsors of the Repbu-project for their support. Biographical Details (if applicable):Structured Abstract:Purpose: Corporate short-distance relocation is a significant event in the course of an organization's lifetime. While these kinds of relocations happen frequently, they are an infrequent event from the perspective of a single organization. Therefore, few organizations have experience and knowledge on relocation management, which can result in improvised ways of managing the process. The purpose of this paper is to describe different short-distance relocation management approaches applied by organizations in Finland. Methods:The paper uses a multiple-case study approach where the relocation management of five organizations are assessed post-relocation. Different aspects of the process, such as process phases and tasks, the organization involved, level of outsourcing, and employee participation, are scrutinized through 32 interviews with company representatives, and documents provided by the organizations. Findings:The study describes 5 unique relocations and identifies 4 different models of managing the process. The study concludes that the most appropriate relocation management approach depends on the organization's needs and situation, and that there is no one solution that fits all purposes.Originality: While previous studies have focused on either site selection decision making or design of an already chosen space, the study describes 5 relocation processes which start from the relocation trigger and end when the organization has relocated and settled into their new space.