Informal Socialization in Virtual Work Environments: A Narrative Inquiry, Research Conducted with Insurance Employees
Format Type
Plenary
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
14-1-2021 2:30 PM
End Date
14-1-2021 2:50 PM
Abstract
Virtual work environments are increasing in the United States and are part of the future of many organizations. It is predicted that in the United States alone, there will be over 90 million virtual employees working in organizations by the year 2030. While there are copious advantages to virtual organizations, companies are reluctant to commit to this type of environment due to barriers in effective communication and collaboration. The problem is little knowledge exists around how employees informally socialize in these organizations, including how they engage, learn the culture, and share knowledge using digital communication technology. Virtual work environments reduce or inhibit informal socialization which is paramount to the success of remote employees. This qualitative, narrative inquiry study is an exploration of the experiences and stories of participants working in virtual environments in the insurance industry. The aim was to understand what it takes to increase informal socialization in virtual work settings. The qualitative data collection process consisted of interviews and diary entries from five insurance employees. Data collection occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic with some participants experiencing fluctuations in their levels of virtuality. Five themes emerged: Emotions and levels of connectivity, Staying connected to maintain bonds and unity, Multi-communicating to get work done, Digital communication technology: Easy and efficient, and Culture of connectivity: Maintaining an office-like atmosphere. Future research may bridge the knowledge gap around informal interactions in virtual environments. Recommendations produced from these themes may be used to guide leaders in the engagement of virtual workers.
Keywords
Qualitative, Narrative Inquiry, Virtual, Informal Socialization, Personal Connections
ORCID ID
0000-0002-8773-6402
Informal Socialization in Virtual Work Environments: A Narrative Inquiry, Research Conducted with Insurance Employees
Virtual work environments are increasing in the United States and are part of the future of many organizations. It is predicted that in the United States alone, there will be over 90 million virtual employees working in organizations by the year 2030. While there are copious advantages to virtual organizations, companies are reluctant to commit to this type of environment due to barriers in effective communication and collaboration. The problem is little knowledge exists around how employees informally socialize in these organizations, including how they engage, learn the culture, and share knowledge using digital communication technology. Virtual work environments reduce or inhibit informal socialization which is paramount to the success of remote employees. This qualitative, narrative inquiry study is an exploration of the experiences and stories of participants working in virtual environments in the insurance industry. The aim was to understand what it takes to increase informal socialization in virtual work settings. The qualitative data collection process consisted of interviews and diary entries from five insurance employees. Data collection occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic with some participants experiencing fluctuations in their levels of virtuality. Five themes emerged: Emotions and levels of connectivity, Staying connected to maintain bonds and unity, Multi-communicating to get work done, Digital communication technology: Easy and efficient, and Culture of connectivity: Maintaining an office-like atmosphere. Future research may bridge the knowledge gap around informal interactions in virtual environments. Recommendations produced from these themes may be used to guide leaders in the engagement of virtual workers.