User dynamics in a Dutch cafeteria system: Consistent choices, inconsistent participation

摘要

Purpose - This paper aims to contribute to the empirical literature on cafeteria systems withinrnemployment relations by analysing employees' decisions on whether or not to participate, whichrnemployees chose what options and how the factors vary over time.rnDesign/methodology/approach - The approach takes the form of a longitudinal case studyrninvolving 4,700 employees during a period of four years. The employees' choices are analysed byrnapplying logistic regression.rnFindings - The analyses show that use of this specific cafeteria system is not high, strongly inrnfavour of one option and restricted to a subgroup of employees. Additionally, it is shown that therndynamics in use of the system is much more the result of changing participation decisions ofrnindividuals over the years and much less of changes in preferences of long-term users.rnResearch limitations/implications - A case study restricts generalizations, although somerncomparisons with other organizations are presented. Further extension of systematic analysis torndifferent sets of cafeteria systems in different contexts would be interesting.rnPractical implications - The analysis is particularly useful for HR managers/policymakers in thisrnarea to assist them systematically in evaluating new policies related to cafeteria systems or tornadapting existing ones.rnOriginality/value - The participation decision as well as the chosen options are analysed in terms ofrnan extensive set of individual employee characteristics.