Homework: Alternative Work Arrangements
Overview:
Various alternative work arrangements exist for use in businesses and other types of organizations, including compressed work weeks, flexible work schedules, telecommuting, and job sharing. This homework focuses on alternative work arrangements in general rather than on a particular arrangement; however, telecommuting does receive a fair amount of attention.
Critics of remote workers say the team structure of today's workplace requires a level of collaboration requiring face-to-face interaction. Some advocates argue that telecommuting narrows the gender pay gap by allowing parents to balance childcare with work duties and generally create a more integrated work and life structure.
Directions:
To complete this homework, first watch the video on remote working environments, Your Boss Wants You Back in the Office (3:11), to understand how this working arrangement is carried out in an organization. This video can be found in McGraw-Hill Connect. Once you have finished watching the video, write a two- to three-page paper explaining your perspective on work structures and the impact they can have on culture in terms of organizational commitment and productivity.
Specifically, be sure to address the following critical elements:
i. When considering organizational culture, which side would you argue holds more weight: a more flexible work environment or a traditional approach with employees working during normal business hours?
ii. Recommend ways that organizations can manage culture if there is a mix of remote and on-site employees
iii. Considering your preferences and working style, assess how you could stay motivated in a remote environment, and identify the type of leader that would be best for you in this situation. Reference leadership styles discussed in the textbook.
iv. Explain how you think various working arrangements impact organizational commitment, performance, and culture.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.