Chapter 8: Wireless Mobility Usage: A Preliminary Qualitative Study for Management in Two Australian University Settings

This project is part of research into mobile staff productivity in Australian universities, funded by the Australian Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. This case study investigates the subset of factors leading to effective wireless integration at two Australian universities. Included in such an assessment are innovative wireless technologies, human expectancies/competencies, employee productivity, and organizational support systems. We explore whether these factors can be effectively integrated to support new work practices enhancing higher productivity, increased job satisfaction and work/life balance and what might be the inherent implications for management within these two major universities. As part of these investigations, a steering committee representative of both the two major universities has been formed to encourage research and document resultant management issues. To begin an understanding of such a process, initial perceptions from intended users (N = 25 interviewees) of these technologies have been gained by way of a preliminary qualitative analysis. The analysis is not intended to be finite and conclusive; rather, it is intended to encourage a solution focused on antecedent factors that would make wireless adoption feasible at the two universities. Diffusion of technological innovations frequently does not advance as readily or as quickly as expected (Rogers, 2003). Technology diffusion, including wireless technology, can potentially be seen as being as much influenced by socio-structural/human factors as perceived benefits inherent to the technologies themselves. Accordingly, many impediments may exist with respect to expanding the range of early adopters to a critical mass. The present case study adopts such a holistic framework and invites a focus on identifying where and how impediments to an adoption are likely to occur and where the steering committee needs to be aware of and respond to inherent problems. Useful starting points are the differing expectations that intended users may have with respect to the use of mobile technologies. Further, another critical perspective might be users’ levels of confidence in the actual use of such technologies (Venkatesh & Davis, 2000; Montgomery, Sharafi, & Hedman, 2004). Finally, the potential negative impact of such technologies, particularly on work/life balance aspects, can be seen to provide another highly relevant and contemporary focus in the present case study. Resultant management issues obtained by way of the preliminary research can then be addressed.