Effects of Technological Intrusion in Small, Remote and International Sales Organizations: Case Study: Stafix Oy
Bracco, Lorenzo (2019)
2019
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201905098515
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201905098515
Tiivistelmä
The way of working has drastically changed in most fields in the last twenty years, and nowadays, it is difficult to imagine a professional that does not handle properly the most common technologies, such as mobile phones and computers. Due to the high portability of such devices, potential interferences with employees’ work-life balance have become increasingly common, with possible direct consequences on their overall wellbeing and productivity. The most common problems generating from these interferences are hyper-connectivity, blurred boundaries between work and private life, interruptions and information overload.
This case study aimed at understanding how these interferences could affect the small, remote and international Stafix sales team and what policies could be developed to tackle the problem. This case study had a qualitative approach to collecting the data. Two kinds of interviews were used with six people: three internal informants participated in a focus group interview, and three external ones had semi-structured interviews. Furthermore, the author used his own structured and diary-based observation, exploiting his long-term experience as a part of that team.
Based on the data analysis, technology blurs the boundaries between employees’ work and private lives. Nevertheless, the short-term benefits of flexible working and the nature of the sales roles represent a high barrier for individuals to change patterns and favor long-term benefits. The challenge is especially complex for small organizations, while big ones have more resources to manage it properly.
The managerial recommendations brought by this research are valid for any kind of organization similar to the one analyzed. The recommendations focus on implementing specific formal policies on the issue. Despite the fact that they may lead to a possible decrease in the company’s productivity, failing to implement them could jeopardize the company’s culture and morale for both experienced employees and new recruitments.
This case study aimed at understanding how these interferences could affect the small, remote and international Stafix sales team and what policies could be developed to tackle the problem. This case study had a qualitative approach to collecting the data. Two kinds of interviews were used with six people: three internal informants participated in a focus group interview, and three external ones had semi-structured interviews. Furthermore, the author used his own structured and diary-based observation, exploiting his long-term experience as a part of that team.
Based on the data analysis, technology blurs the boundaries between employees’ work and private lives. Nevertheless, the short-term benefits of flexible working and the nature of the sales roles represent a high barrier for individuals to change patterns and favor long-term benefits. The challenge is especially complex for small organizations, while big ones have more resources to manage it properly.
The managerial recommendations brought by this research are valid for any kind of organization similar to the one analyzed. The recommendations focus on implementing specific formal policies on the issue. Despite the fact that they may lead to a possible decrease in the company’s productivity, failing to implement them could jeopardize the company’s culture and morale for both experienced employees and new recruitments.