Work - Volume 72, issue 4

Authors: Khanehshenas, Farin | Mazloumi, Adel | Jalaldehi, Pourya Ahmadi | Kaveh, Mahdieh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Drivers’ drowsiness is a significant issue globally known as a contributing factor to crashes in various transportation operations. Although there is evidence that suburban bus drivers experience drowsy driving, most previous studies are quantitative, which means that drivers experiencing drowsiness have not had the opportunity to explain their direct views and thoughts. OBJECTIVES: This qualitative exploratory study subjectively investigates the contextual factors influencing fatigue among suburban bus drivers. METHODS: Collecting data was conducted through 14 in-depth interviews with suburban bus drivers working in Tehran province’s transportation system, Iran. The interview recording was transcribed by the …research team and entered into the qualitative data analysis software. Two independent coders with qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis approach analyzed transcripts. RESULTS: Four themes emerged, including human factors (with categories of individual characteristic and lifestyle), vehicle factors (with categories of design and performance), job factors (with categories of task requirement, quantity and quality of sleep, and circadian rhythm,) and environmental factors (with categories of the physical and economic environment). We found a more significant number of codes and categories and thus more contextual factors associated with job factors. The participants emphasized the importance of sleep deprivation, long driving hours, and even time of the day as factors influencing fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: The study results can provide beneficial information for both ergonomists and car manufacturers in developing more accurate fatigue detection models and effective educational and technical interventions to maintain road user’s health and reduce road accidents and mortality rates due to drowsiness. Show more

Keywords: Interview, road safety, drowsy driving, human factors, traffic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210755

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1481-1491, 2022

Authors: Brandl, Christopher | Nitsch, Verena

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223639

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1493-1496, 2022

Authors: Scheepers, Louisa | Kaiser, Saskia | Buchner, Axel | Dragano, Nico | Angerer, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Digitalisation is reaching German craft enterprises which must increasingly deal with complex software. The usability of the software is crucial for the effective use in everyday work and insufficient usability is associated with increased stress and strain. It thus seems necessary to identify possible usability-related stressors in craft-enterprise software. OBJECTIVE: Here we examine how users evaluate the usability of craft-enterprise software and whether usability is associated with perceived work-related stress. METHODS: To assess the perceived usability of German craft-enterprise software, an online survey was conducted with 161 participants from craft enterprises using a validated usability …questionnaire based on ISO 9241-110. In addition, 26 guideline-based interviews were conducted to identify the experience of managers and employees with craft-enterprise software, possible usability-related stress and strain. RESULTS: Both studies show that craft enterprises use software but only to a limited extend. While back-office administrative processes are routinely supported by software, mobile software support to manage customer service is used less frequently. Increasing complexity of craft-enterprise software is posing growing demands on the users. Software usability was rated to be crucial in the online survey, but the available software is only rated to be acceptable. This was also reflected in the interviews. Participants described usability problems and their relevance as stressors during software use. In consequence, the users experience strain such as feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that improving the usability of craft-enterprise software should reduce work-related stress and support craft enterprises to master the digitalisation process. Show more

Keywords: Software ergonomics, work-stress, usability-related stressors, business software

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211257

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1497-1511, 2022

Authors: Mehler, Lisa | Certa, Mathias | Wischniewski, Sascha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A main goal in the advancing digitalization is to offer employees support in coping with large amounts of information and to process it context-sensitively and according to their needs. Augmented reality (AR) as an emerging technology has great potential in this regard. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to generally highlight the strengths and weaknesses of various technologies and in particular to point out the potential of AR-based technologies. METHOD: A comparison of different technologies by assessing various technology characteristics and the level of digital stress caused by the use of these technologies was …conducted based on survey data. RESULTS: The results of the conducted study show that technologies such as stationary PC, laptop or smartphone are assessed better in terms of various technology characteristics than AR. Furthermore, digitally induced stress is reported when using AR. CONCLUSION: AR as a mobile digital assistance system still seems to fall short of its potential for human-centered work design. One reason for this may be the low degree of popularity of AR and the not fully developed technological maturity. Show more

Keywords: Virtual and augmented reality, digital stress, work assistance systems, context-sensitive provision of information

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211258

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1513-1520, 2022

Authors: Peschl, Anika | Altun, Ufuk | Conrad, Ralph W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mobile, time-flexible work provides advantages for companies and employees. However, those opportunities have so far been used primarily in the administrative sector. OBJECTIVE: In a joint practice-oriented project, the possibilities for flexibilization in the production sector are being investigated. Therefore, practical aids of action are to be developed. In this paper the procedure and first results are shown. METHODS: To obtain initial indications of the opportunities and limitations of mobile, time-flexible work in the production sector, interviews were conducted with employees of the company project partners. An analysis tool was developed based on the results …of the interviews. The development follows an iterative process of practice testing and discussion rounds with the project partners. RESULTS: The preliminary analyses show that small and medium-sized companies (SME) need a practical tool for identifying flexibilization potentials in the production sector. In addition, it has been shown that there are several factors that determine or promote the possibilities of mobile, time-flexible work in the production sector. Those factors are considered in the analysis tool. The structure, contents and application of the analysis tool are presented in this paper. CONCLUSION: The presented procedure and analysis tool provide valuable implications for practice. It shows practical ways of analyzing flexibilization potentials of companies and individual jobs. This provides a basis for discussions between the employer and employees, works councils, and applicants for the occupation of job positions in the production sector. Show more

Keywords: Flexibility, compatibility of work and private life, securing skilled workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211263

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1521-1534, 2022

Authors: Bläsing, Dominic | Hinrichsen, Sven | Wurm, Susanne | Bornewasser, Manfred

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The future of work in Germany is shaped by megatrends like globalization, automatization, digitization, and the demographic change. Furthermore, mass customization and the increasing usage of AI even in manual assembly offers new opportunities as well as it creates new challenges. OBJECTIVE: The trend towards mass customization in turn leads to increased complexity in production, which results in additional mental workload. This effect will continue in the foreseeable future. METHOD: Especially for small and medium sized companies, the backbone of Germany’s economy, automatization and Human-Robot-Collaboration will take time to develop. Information assistance systems are and …will be a bridging technology to help organizations to manage increasing complexity and the mental workload of their employees to not only boost productivity but also keep their workforce healthy. The ongoing demographic change further underlines the need to use information assistance systems to compensate possible age-associated deficits, but also keep older employees committed to their work and avoid effects of disengagement or disenfranchisement through participatory ergonomics. RESULTS: Information assistance systems can only develop their inherent potential if they are designed to support employees of varying age, competence levels, and affinity for technology. Participatory development and early engagement are key factors for an increased acceptance and usage of the systems as well as the individualization to make it suitable for each individual employee. CONCLUSION: Expanding the functionalities to an adaptive assistance system, using physiological correlates of mental workload as an input, is conceivable in the future. Show more

Keywords: Cognitive ergonomics, aging workforce, complexity, mixed-model assembly

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211283

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1535-1548, 2022

Authors: Auweiler, Lisa | Lemmens, Vera | Hülsheger, Ute | Lang, Jessica

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rapidly changing stressful working conditions put new challenges on mental health in future work, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which need to be addressed on an organisational level. To promote, secure and sustain a healthy workforce in the long run, primary prevention of psychosocial risks is needed. Still, 70% of EU companies and over 85% of German SMEs lack the legally required implementation of psychosocial risk assessment (PRA) in their occupational safety and health (OSH) management. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the digital training PsyHealth worXs! as a suitable approach to …teach OSH stakeholders how to conduct PRA. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal evaluation study with two measurement times in the first and last week of the digital training based on N  = 312 questionnaires. RESULTS: After the training, participants’ knowledge of the PRA process was significantly higher, and they felt significantly more competent to derive OSH interventions. Overall, the process of PRA and the involvement of stakeholders were perceived as significantly easier. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the digital training provides an easily accessible opportunity for SMEs to successfully enable their OSH management to implement PRA strategies. Future research will have to evaluate the overall long-term implementation increase of PRA in German SME companies. Show more

Keywords: Psychosocial risk assessment training, training evaluation, organisational prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211264

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1549-1561, 2022

Authors: Goppold, Marvin | Herrmann, Jan-Phillip | Tackenberg, Sven

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Errors can have dangerous consequences, resulting in a preventive strategy in most company-based technical vocational education and training (TVET). On the contrary, errors provide a useful opportunity for learning due to mismatches of mental models and reality and especially to improve occupational safety and health (OSH). OBJECTIVE: This article presents a didactic concept for developing a learning system based on learning from errors. Learners shall directly experience the consequences of erroneous actions through presenting error consequences in augmented reality to avoid negative, dangerous, or cost-intensive outcomes. METHODS: Empirical data prove errors to …be particularly effective in TVET. A formal description of a work system is systematically adopted to outline a connection between work, errors concerning OSH, and a didactic concept. A proof-of-concept systematically performs a use case for the developed learning system. It supports critical reflections from a technical, safety, and didactical perspective, naming implications and limitations. RESULTS: By learning from errors, a work-based didactic concept supports OSH competencies relying on a learning system. The latter integrates digital twins of the work system to simulate and visualise dangerous error consequences for identified erroneous actions in a technical proof-of-concept. Results demonstrate the ability to detect action errors in work processes and simulations of error consequences in augmented reality. CONCLUSION: The technical learning system for OSH education extends existing learning approaches by showcasing virtual consequences. However, capabilities are limited regarding prepared learning scenarios with predefined critical errors. Future studies should assess learning effectiveness in an industrial scenario and investigate its usability. Show more

Keywords: Vocational education, digital twin, work system design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211243

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1563-1575, 2022

Authors: Mayer, Tobias A. | Harsch, Ann-Kathrin | Koska, Daniel | Hensel-Unger, Ralph | Maiwald, Christian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Bioservo Ironhand® is a commercially available active hand exoskeleton for reducing grip-induced stress. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed at quantifying the effect of the Ironhand® exoskeleton on the myoelectric muscle activity of forearm flexor and extensor muscles in three relevant assembly grip tasks: 2-Finger-grip (2Finger), 5-Finger-grip (5Finger) and Full grip (FullGrip). METHODS: Twenty-two subjects were tested in three different exoskeleton conditions for each grip task (overall 3×3×10 = 90 repetitions in randomized order): Exoskeleton off (Off), Exoskeleton on, “locking tendency” 0% (On_LT0), and Exoskeleton on, “locking tendency” 85% (On_LT85). Muscle activity was …measured at 25% of the participant’s maximum grip force using two EMG sensors at the M. flexor digitorum superficialis (M.FDS) and one at the M. extensor digitorum (M.ED). RESULTS: The effect of the Ironhand® exoskeleton varied depending on the grip task and the participant’s sex. A statistically significant reduction in muscle activity of the M.FDS was found only for male subjects in the FullGrip condition. No reduction of muscular activity in the M.FDS was found for the other grip tasks (2Finger, 5Finger). For the females in the 2Finger condition, mean muscle activity of M.FDS even increased significantly in On_LT0 compared to Off. Besides differences between grip tasks and sex, the current study revealed substantial individual differences. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to testing for statistical significance, a detailed exploratory analysis of exoskeleton effects at subject level should be performed to evaluate these from a safety and regulatory perspective. Show more

Keywords: Exoskeleton, hand, work, grip, electromyography (EMG)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211272

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1577-1591, 2022

Authors: Schäfer, Katharina | Görke, Arne | Hesemann, Luis | Franke, Tim | Nitsch, Verena | Heckwolf, Christoph | Mertens, Alexander | Brandl, Christopher | Zweck, Axel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Digital platforms have found their way into all our lives: they are discussed in political, economic, scientific and public fields worldwide. Platform-based work is also on the rise in the German labour market, not only in institutionalised work, but also in start-ups and spin-offs. OBJECTIVES: The article describes the results of an analysis aimed at identifying perceptions of new and already known major success factors on market entry and market penetration regarding occupational safety and health (OSH) and work design. METHODS: A total of 31 semi-standardised interviews were conducted with 39 people. First, perceived success …factors in general were examined with the comparative analysis. Surprisingly, OSH/work design factors did not emerge as perceived success factors. For this reason, a in-depth analysis was performed in a secondary analysis with the structured content analysis. RESULTS: Identified perceived success factors were user orientation, scalability, network effects, niche occupation. The in-depth secondary analysis with focus on OSH/work design showed that the interviewees are aware of the topic of OSH/work design, but did not consider it to be important to economic success. CONCLUSIONS: The identified success factors may not seem surprising. What is surprising, however, is the role played by OSH/work design. Solutions must be developed that sensitize working persons in the platform sector to the topic of OSH/work design. A two-step process may be useful: First, uniform regulations and laws must be anchored in the platform architecture. Second, various measures and training courses can be designed to inform and raise awareness. Show more

Keywords: Platform-based labour, OSH, future research, comparative analysis, structured content analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211253

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1593-1610, 2022

Authors: Hartwein, Carla | Rimbeck, Marlen | Reil, Hannes | Stumpf-Wollersheim, Jutta | Leyer, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the great potential that technical solutions, based on the Internet of Things (IoT), offer for companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), companies are hesitant to implement such solutions. Reasons for this lie in the resulting far-reaching change, which particularly affects working activities and communication between employees and IoT objects in their environment. OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to investigate (1) how the implementation of an IoT solution, consisting of multiple objects, might be integrated into daily working activities; (2) what reactions might occur at the individual level; and (3) what structural conditions should be established at …the organizational level. METHODS: We applied a scenario-based design. Specifically, we conducted interviews to develop personas and scenarios describing human–machine interactions during implementation of the IoT solution in an initial phase. RESULTS: Regarding changing work activities, we identified three structural conditions that facilitate the implementation of IoT in SMEs: (1) the development of a support unit that bundles communication and training activities as well as internal and external knowledge; (2) the planning of an appropriate testing and adoption phase that enables participation and feedback; and (3) the creation of an incentive structure that includes social reward, empowerment, and recognition. CONCLUSION: IoT gives employees enhanced access to resources, information, and feedback, supporting an efficient way of working. To successfully implement IoT solutions, companies, especially SMEs, must actively address organizational change and empower their employees to manage technological innovations at an early stage. Show more

Keywords: Internet of Things, working activities, scenario-based design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211242

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1611-1627, 2022

Authors: Schumacher, Jan-Philip | Depenbusch, Sarah | Straatmann, Tammo | Bender, Elena | Schaper, Niclas | Hamborg, Kai-Christoph

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Challenged by digital transformation, organizations increasingly integrate information and communication technologies into work designs. Often focal points of such digital reengineering initiatives are technical and economic aspects. Yet, as integration of new technologies affects how employee work and interact, there is a need to evaluate human-centered criteria (human-factor evaluation), optimally by involving employees as situational experts. OBJECTIVE: The present study develops an integrative and persona-based evaluation approach of human-centered criteria for application in participative digital (re-)design of work to support the joint optimization of the technical and social system. METHODS: Drawing on methods from usability …evaluation, a persona-based approach is developed to facilitate comprehension and application of human-centered evaluation by employees. To that end, human-centered criteria from existing evaluation models are systemized with specific reference to digital transformation of work processes. The developed approach is tested in pilot runs of three German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). RESULTS: The initial overview shows a divergence of specific human-centered criteria at the detailed level. Simultaneously, a high convergence is found for overarching dimensions and categories. The Integrative Socio-Digital Evaluation Model (ISDEM) is developed to balance complexity and abstraction of criteria. The derived persona-based approach (persISDEM) shows a good applicability in the pilot runs. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides an amendment to existing work design approaches with an emphasis on employee participation, enabling organizations to foster employees’ comprehension and motivation to engage in evaluations of digital (re-)design of work and to create motivating and healthy jobs for successful digital transformation. Show more

Keywords: Work design, work process, persona, perspective-based inspection, participation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211248

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1629-1654, 2022

Authors: Stöckl, Andreas | Struck, Olaf

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Working via databases has become an integral and necessary part of work in businesses. The availability of knowledge and information from any location contributes to better networking and more transparency in companies and enables collaborative work regardless of the location. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/21, physical distancing and digital work have become imperative for a greater number of people. This, in turn, can severely restrict both formal and informal means of communication, which can lead to rising cognitive job demands and decreasing productivity at work. Against this background, the question of whether and to what …extent digital databases are able to guarantee effective task fulfilment without parallel communication has acquired new relevance. OBJECTIVE: The relationship between informal communication via four communication channels and a) the efficiency of work via databases and b) their necessity for the quality of work are investigated. METHODS: Employee surveys are evaluated in the form of cross-sectional data from three medium-sized German companies using econometric regression analyses. RESULTS: A clear relationship is revealed between informal communication and the effectiveness of work via databases as well as their necessity for work quality. The level of this relationship, however, varies depending on the type and purpose of informal communication. CONCLUSION: This article highlights the necessity of informal communication for digital collaborative work and hence has significant implications for business practice. Show more

Keywords: Databases, informal communication, collaborative work, efficiency, digitalization

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211246

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1655-1671, 2022

Authors: Roth, Philip

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Informal Knowledge Sharing Interactions (IKSI) are particularly valuable for innovation projects if they connect partners who are categorically, socially and formally distant from each other. Then the chances are higher that partners possess non-redundant knowledge and can thus open up new perspectives. By improving their knowledge supply, IKSI enhance the success, job satisfaction and well-being of employees in knowledge-intensive industries. So far, however, it is unclear how such interactions between heterogeneous partners emerge. OBJECTIVE: The paper examines the formation of IKSI and develops the argument that serendipitous IKSI are more likely than planned IKSI to connect heterogeneous …partners and open up new perspectives. METHODS: The paper develops the argument in detail and empirically grounded by drawing together the unconnected literatures on the formation and impact of IKSI. Furthermore, the argument is empirically tested using 132 IKSI from developers collected with event-based diaries. RESULTS: In line with the conceptual work, the empirical analysis shows that serendipitous IKSI are more likely than planned ones to open up new perspectives. CONCLUSION: Serendipitous IKSI are of particular significance and require appropriate promotion in order to enhance innovative capability. The increasing virtualization of work is creating opportunities and challenges in this regard. Show more

Keywords: Innovation, communication, informal interaction, boundary spanning, knowledge sharing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211275

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1673-1687, 2022

Authors: Karwehl, Laura Johanna | Frischkorn, Jonas | Walter, Lothar | Kauffeld, Simone

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Semantic analyses of patents have been used for years to unlock technical knowledge. Nevertheless, information retrievable from patents remains widely unconsidered when making strategic decisions, when recruiting candidates or deciding which qualifications to offer to employees in technological fields. OBJECTIVES: This paper provides an approach to evaluate whether competencies and competence demands in technological fields can be derived from patents and if this process can be automated to a certain extent. METHODS: A sample of significant patents is analyzed with regard to comprised competence data via semantic structures like n-gram and Subject-–Action–Object …(SAO) analysis. The retrieved data is cleansed and matched semantically to inventor competencies from social career networks and checked for similarities. RESULTS: A social career network profile analysis of significant inventors revealed a total of 570 competencies that were matched with the results of the n-gram and SAO analysis. Overall, 15%of the extracted social career network competence data were covered through extracted n-grams (87 out of 570 terms), while the SAO analysis showed a match rate of 18.8%, covering 107 terms. CONCLUSIONS: The outlined approach suggests a partly automatable process of promising character to identify technological competence demands in patents. Show more

Keywords: Semantic patent analysis, competence foresight, human resource analytics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211262

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1689-1708, 2022

Authors: Karwehl, Laura Johanna | Kauffeld, Simone

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Digitalization and technological progress lead to an increasingly fast development of promising fields for action and new technologies whereas the time required to qualify employees for new activities and work content has remained largely the same. Organizations have to establish anticipative competence measures to secure their competitiveness. OBJECTIVES: Those developments suggest that a new approach to develop human resource development strategies is required. METHODS: This article describes the results of a competence survey that was developed in an interdisciplinary approach between organizational psychology and futurology and conducted in the field of automotive …Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) research. The content of the questionnaire is based on a series of expert interviews focusing and a data-driven approach that scanned significant patents for competence demand data. RESULTS: The conducted ANOVAs show that both sources for data retrieval create relevant items even though experts from the conceptual field rate data-based items significantly less relevant than the other participants. Moreover, interview-based items lead to significantly more relevant ratings in methodological fields while data-driven items were rated significantly more relevant for the technological area. CONCLUSIONS: Even though there are some uncertainties to examine, the displayed approach seems promising for the derivation of more detailed and enriched future competency demands in technological fields. Show more

Keywords: Strategic competence management, competence foresight, future of work, HR analytics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211261

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1709-1725, 2022

Authors: Weigel, Andreas | Baumgart, Thorben Lukas | Zeuge, Anna | Sauter, Louisa Maria | Niehaves, Bjoern | Huchler, Norbert | Heinlein, Michael | Wittal, Regina | Staiger, Benjamin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The virtual and real worlds of work are increasingly merging through digital transformation. This also applies to products and services. Virtual Reality (VR) with all its learning opportunities is a promising technology to improve workflows and enable transparency between different departments and organizations. This transparency is particularly important when it comes to preventing potentially dangerous work situations. OBJECTIVE: We investigate weaknesses in competence transfer processes between computer-aided designers and service employees connected in a hybrid value chain. On the one hand, designers receive only little feedback, hence are missing necessary evaluation to adjust their designs to empirical …specifications. On the other hand, service employees, therefore, work with sometimes impractical machine designs which makes their work on-site unergonomic, dangerous, and more difficult. METHODS: We present a design science-driven, empirical approach to provide enhanced competence transfer with the help of VR. Thereby, we evaluate a self-developed VR demonstrator with an iterative approach consisting of 60 qualitative interviews. RESULTS: The developed VR demonstrator supports interorganizational sharing of (tacit) knowledge by enabling designers to take the service perspective and ensuring collaboration across organizational boundaries. By intentionally using VR technology as an interruption to the work, the design can be viewed from a service perspective and evaluated for occupational safety and health issues. CONCLUSIONS: The work process improvements achieved by the VR demonstrator enable early consideration of design issues that are particularly relevant to safety, thus ensuring greater occupational safety and health protection in the processes for service employees. Show more

Keywords: Design science research, perspective taking, tacit knowledge transfer, interruption, collaboration

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211244

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1727-1743, 2022

Authors: Tietz, Stephanie | Werner, Katja

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The importance of virtual work is growing. Especially in knowledge-intensive, dynamic and international sectors, virtual teams have become an ubiquitous work form, promising more flexibility and higher performance. To solve complex problems they have to share and assimilate knowledge, but it is difficult in virtual contexts to overcome social distance and to avoid communication issues. Knowledge sharing in virtual teams may be more prone to errors and take more time. OBJECTIVE: Current studies mainly consider a one-sided perspective, either focusing on technical or human influencing factors for effective knowledge sharing in virtual teams, but not on …the interaction between these. This study addresses that gap by exploring success-critical factors for knowledge sharing by using the socio-technical systems-approach. METHODS: The database of the study consists of 26 in-depth interviews. The interviews were partially structured and based on the Critical Incident Technique. Using a deductive categorization scheme consisting of four main categories and 21 subcategories, the frequencies and overlaps of influencing factors on successful knowledge sharing in virtual teams were examined. RESULTS: Each critical incident reported included factors from all four main categories (technology, structure, people and task) with specific frequencies and connections. Structural influencing factors as well as technological factors are mentioned particularly frequently together. CONCLUSION: The results of the study underline the importance of an integrated socio-technical view on knowledge sharing in virtual teams. Technical and social factors need to be considered simultaneously. The findings can be used for designing and optimizing knowledge sharing processes in virtual teams. Show more

Keywords: Distributed teams, knowledge transfer, knowledge management, socio-technical systems, collaborative work, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211241

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1745-1763, 2022

Authors: Straatmann, Tammo | Schumacher, Jan-Philip | Koßmann, Cosima | Poehler, Ludger | Teuteberg, Frank | Mueller, Karsten | Hamborg, Kai-Christoph

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The participative design of work processes is hampered by as-yet unresolved challenges. A root cause is seen in high information-pass-on-barriers. Virtual Reality (VR) may have a significant potential to overcome these challenges. Yet, there is no systematic understanding of which advantages provided by VR can support the participative design of work processes. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to assess the potential of VR to support the participative design of work processes by conducting an integrative literature review identifying the advantages of VR in general work contexts and mapping them to known challenges in participative design of work …processes. METHODS: The integrative literature review was conducted based on 268 sources of which 52 were considered for an in-depth analysis of the advantages offered by VR. RESULTS: The resulting conceptual framework consisted of 13 characteristic-related advantages (e.g., immersion, interactivity, flexibility) and 10 effect-related advantages (e.g., attractivity, involvement, cost efficiency) which readily address known challenges in the participative design of work processes. CONCLUSION: Mapping the advantages of VR to the challenges in participative design of work processes revealed a substantial potential of VR to overcome high information-pass-on-barriers. As such, employing VR in work process design initiatives represents a fruitful avenue for the promotion of prevention and employee health. Show more

Keywords: Virtual environment, participation, process design, process modeling, literature review

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211260

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1765-1788, 2022