Universities can be considered to typify knowledge intensive organizations and hence are an important site to study the phenomenon of telework amongst knowledge workers. This paper reports on the results of findings arising from a first-step analysis-20 semi-structured interviews -undertaken as Stage 1 of the formal adoption of a telework strategy at a major Australian university (UNIOZ). No attempt is made to precisely quantify the findings but thematic analysis is used to analyse telework in the context of current University work practices, indicate satisfaction or otherwise with telework, and point to a number of key factors relating to the adequacy of technological support for telework.. Important future trends for telework at the University, with the potential to impact on planning of technological support, are also highlighted. Key findings include:·Telework is a long-established informal practice at the University but continues to evolve with the additional emphasis on flexible work from multiple locations (various sites on campus, other campuses, from international sites, and from home). ·Most respondents believe their telework will continue and/or expand. ·Supplementary telework, at nights and at weekends, is also a rapid growth area for the University's academics and, potentially, also management and support staff. ·Increased productivity and flexibility are the major perceived benefits of telework. ·Diffused boundaries between work and home, increased potential for stress as well as overwork, are parallel disadvantages. ·Negative management attitudes and a lack of policy (or at least clear guidelines) are seen as the main barriers to telework. ·Implications of the findings for the management of university staff are also discussed.
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