From career-related fear to intention: A hybrid methodological approach to telework research

Abstract

Teleworking has received increased attention in research, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While existing studies have predominantly focused on the outcomes of mandatory telework, there remains a dearth of literature examining telework intentions and their antecedents, especially in post-pandemic contexts. This study examines the influence of career-related fear (CRF) on telework intentions, mediated by telework attitudes, and explores the moderating effect of telework intensity on the relationship between attitudes and telework intentions. A comprehensive survey-based methodology was used to collect data from a sample of 660 professionals. The data were analyzed using a hybrid approach that integrates partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with necessary condition analysis (NCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) analysis. The results confirm the direct and indirect effects of the CRF on teleworking intentions, mediated by attitudes. Moreover, telework intensity moderates the relationship between attitudes and telework intention, with higher intensity levels associated with a reduced influence of attitudes on telework intention. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of telework dynamics by elucidating the complex interplay between CRF, attitudes, and telework intensity. The findings support the importance of addressing CRF and tailoring telework policies to accommodate different intensity levels, providing valuable insights for both academia and practice in managing telework arrangements.