Chapter 8: The Tension of Digital Transformation & Flexible Work Arrangements

This chapter explores the experiences of academic advisors from 16 different institutions in the United States that are members of the Association of American Universities. The analysis centered on participants perspectives of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in relation to the workforce digital transformation and viewed through the lens of the competing values framework. Findings revealed that participants viewed FWAs as a tool for productivity optimization which allowed them to act as collaborative partners in creating a more competitive business model. Organizations without FWAs, or with severely limited ones, were described as controlling which participants reported had a negative impact on their effectiveness and the work culture as a whole. This chapter describes how digital transformation effects workplace behavior, employee expectations, and how leaders can adapt to this new model.