The acceptance and effectiveness of telecommuting (work from home) in Malaysia

Telecommuting/Telework or “Work from Home” is slogan that we hear over the times almost everywhere in the world especially in developed nation. Home-based employees are in a situation where they are able to address both work and family demands. In contrast to non-home-based workers, home-based workers are more likely to respond to family demands (Sakamoto and Spinks, 2008). However, it has limitation especially in the form of implementation, such as a need for face-to-face interaction with colleagues and customers in the corporate world.

The purpose of this study is to find out what are the Critical Success Factors which can contribute to the acceptance of Telecommute Program officially in Malaysia. The critical success factors identified aims to help the organizations to implement Telecommute Program. The primary data collected for this study will be analyzed quantitatively. Structural equation modeling (SEM) will be employed in solving the issues examined.

Interestingly, two major significant success factors; (1) Job Satisfaction and Commitment Level (2) Operating Cost Reduction have been clearly identified in Malaysia context. This finding is very consistent with previous researcher Susanne and Gill (2003) who noted that cost saving related to renting cost, water & electricity bills is significant to the critical success factor in telecommuting program. Also supported by Haines et al (2002) who noted that individual has higher job satisfaction and higher level of commitment to the company due to telecommuting program.