Date of Award
Spring 2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Department
Public Policy and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Kristen B. Crossney, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Angela Kline, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Michael C. Threatt, D.P.A.
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine if collaborative technologies enhance productivity in the face of remote work during the COVID-19 era using the diffusion of innovation framework. Dothan Housing is a Moving to Work (MTW) Expansion Agency under the Landlord Incentive Cohort #3. This means the agency was granted certain flexibility to pursue innovation. This research study used a post-positivist philosophy and a quantitative research design to investigate the thoughts, opinions, and feelings of Dothan Housing administrative staff about their experience with telecommuting during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were selected from among Dothan Housing staff who were eligible for telecommuting and were invited to participate in the study via email, with an option to consent or not consent to participate. Those who consented were directed to an online informed consent form and completed the study through an online survey. This survey was conducted twice with a total sample size of 13 in 2021 and 22 in 2022 respectively. The data collected was analyzed using statistical techniques, and the results were used to explore the relationship between telecommuting and various factors such as job satisfaction and work-life balance. The limitations of the study included the potential for self-selection bias and the reliance on self-report data.
In conclusion, this study found that although the use of collaborative technologies did not necessarily lead to higher productivity levels for Dothan Housing, staff supported using such technologies to facilitate cross-functional collaboration and break down silos within the organization. However, using certain technologies, such as social media, may be perceived as a distraction by some employees. The impact of education level and experience with technology on the use of such technologies warrants further study. The sample size of this study may not be generalizable to other organizations.
Recommended Citation
Egemba, Chika, "Using Input from Administrative Staff to Make Cost-Effective Decisions for Telecommuting, Technology, and Productivity during the COVID-19 Era" (2023). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 186.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/186
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