Antecedents of telecommuting in emerging countries: The role of knowledge complexity

Abstract

This research investigated the role of knowledge complexity and the individual, organisational, and technological determinants in telecommuting in an emerging economy. A sample of 452 Brazilian workers was surveyed, and PLS-SEM was used for analysing the data. The results suggest that knowledge complexity matters, and its joint effect together with task interdependence has a negative impact on telecommuting performance. It was also found that technology-based communication skills are more important for enhancing both telecommuting performance and satisfaction than the technology itself. Furthermore, it was found that telecommuting outcomes may be affected by demographic variables and the national culture. Identification of the antecedents of telecommuting in emerging countries helps managers to adapt their business models and work arrangements to achieve firm sustainability and respond to a complex socio-economic landscape generated by the coronavirus crisis.