A Framework to Analyze Knowledge Work in Distributed Teams
Journal article, 2011

This article presents a framework to analyze knowledge work in the changing context of new ways of working. Knowledge work increasingly takes place as collaboration from different and changing workplaces due to mobility, multilocational, and geographical distribution of participants. We define the framework based on five key factors that pose challenges to the performance and productivity of knowledge work performed in distributed teams. The framework extends and integrates traditional performance models of task, team structure, and work process, with context factors like workplace, organization policy, and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. The framework is applied in a qualitative comparative cross-case analysis to eight globally distributed teams in two Fortune 100 high-tech companies. We conclude with a series of specific challenges for each factor when studying distributed knowledge work. It is shown that due to changing contexts knowledge workers, teams, and organizations need to constantly adapt, readjust, and realign according to the five factors.

organization context.

team work processes

knowledge work

distributed collaboration

workplace

task

team structure

Author

Petra Bosch-Sijtsema

Chalmers, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Construction Management

Renate Fruchter

Stanford University

Matti Vartiainen

Aalto University

Virpi Ruohomäki

Aalto University

Group and Organization Management

1059-6011 (ISSN)

Vol. 36 3 275-307

Areas of Advance

Building Futures (2010-2018)

Driving Forces

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Subject Categories

Business Administration

DOI

10.1177/1059601111403625

More information

Latest update

2/18/2020