Influences and impacts on worker productivity: An exploratory study of videoconferencing systems in a global professional services firm

Abstract

This paper presents the research framework and early results from a study that is exploring the use of Videoconferencing Systems (VCS) and its influences and impacts on worker productivity within a professional services firm. Worker productivity is the quantity of output produced with optimum quality of work and is measured by examining the comparative resources consumption in physical and VCS enabled tasks. The theory framework is based on a combination of Media Richness Theory, Task Technology Fit Theory, and VCS concepts. The study is using a Mixed Methods Research (MMR) approach that includes a pilot and major ethnographic case studies, coupled with business process analysis; automated content analysis; and directed (vector) graph and adjacency matrix algebra to investigate the phenomenon. Some early findings show that a major capital city office of the firm is having some success with realising reduced resources consumption and increased worker productivity where VCS is implemented.