Organizational Compatibility as a Predictor of Telecommuting

Abstract

Innovation literature long has advocated that an innovation may be compatible or incompatible with an organization’s existing systems or resources. Compatibility of an innovation traditionally has meant that the innovation is compatible with the existing values, skills, and work practices of potential adopters. However, Tornatzky and Klein (1982) criticized this definition as too broad, noting that compatibility may refer to compatibility with the adopters’ values (value compatibility) or that it may represent congruence with the adopters’ existing practices (practical compatibility). Anecdotal evidence suggests both types influence telecommuting. Therefore, this study investigates compatibility and its relationship to IS personnel’s telecommuting. The organization’s ability to secure telecommuting (a dimension of practical compatibility) was found to be a major facilitator of the adoption and diffusion of telecommuting. Group values were found to be a major facilitator of diffusion and success, and practical compatibility was found to be a facilitator of success. Implications are discussed.