Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Management

Advisor

Tim Truitt

Abstract

Small business owners who lack effective strategies to incorporate telecommuting may be unable to retain teleworking employees, create a flexible working environment, or improve workforce morale, negatively impacting company productivity and profitability. Grounded in transformational leadership theory and sociotechnical systems theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small business owners use to incorporate telecommuting to retain teleworking employees. Data were collected from five small business owners in Texas with at least 1 year of management experience and created and maintained remote working strategies. Data collection included semistructured interviews and company documents. Three themes emerged from coding analysis: connection between employee engagement and actors, employee engagement and tasks, and individual consideration and tasks. A key recommendation is for small business owners to provide team-building events for managers and employees. The implications for positive social change include the opportunity to recruit employees from a larger pool of applicants, reduce company expenses, and hire employees who cannot leave their homes because of disabilities or other physical concerns. Additionally, employees may experience improved work–life balance, which may allow them more time to volunteer in their local community, manage personal life concerns, and continue their education.

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